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2025 Week 12: Historic Event #52Ancestorsin52Weeks

The Battle of Arbroath, one of Scotland's bloodiest battles, was fought in the summer of 1345 between rival claimants to the post of Baillie of the Regality. The Baillie of the Regality chosen by the monks of Arbroath Abbey at that time was Alexander Lindsay. This post gave Lindsay power and prestige and he was responsible for upholding the law in the lands around the abbey. However, like many men in positions of authority both past and present, he chose to abuse his position of power and his fighting men caused mayhem within the walls of the Abbey.
This led to the monks deciding to replace Lindsay with Alexander Ogilvy, who had hereditary claims to the position, but who unfortunately was Lindsay's enemy ... and my 15 x great-uncle! His sister, Isobel had married into Clan Oliphant and, on paper at least, Isobel is my 15 x great grandmother!
Of course, the appointment of Ogilvy was not acceptable to Lindsay, who then raised an army of 1000 men and marched to Arbroath Abbey to reclaim his position.
Alexander Ogilvy had allies too - he was supported by some members of Clan Oliphant, including his brother-in law, my 15 x great grandfather, Sir John Oliphant of Aberdalgie, and others from Clans Gordon, Seton and Forbes. But unfortunately his side was outnumbered by that of Lindsay.
Lindsay's father, the Earl of Crawford, rushed to the site of the battle to try and calm everything down, but was killed by an Ogilvy soldier who thought the battle had begun. And begin it then did. The battle raged for hours and in the end the stronger side proved victorious. The defeated Ogilvies lost 600 men, including Alexander and my 15 x great grandfather, Sir John Oliphant.
Following the battle, Lindsay unleashed his men onto the lands of the enemy to burn, plunder and slaughter. No surprise there!
The graves of the dead from this battle have from time to time been found under the battleground. Alexander Ogilvy's remains were uncovered during demolition work at the church in Kinnel Village in 1885. His spurs now sit in the vestibule of the present church in Kinnel.
Arbroath Abbey. Source: www.arbroathfestival.com

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  1. StephenMarch 24, 2025 at 4:50 PM

    I don't know much Scottish history but I do like reading and that battle rings a bell.

    ReplyDelete

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