Appeal is made for site the Bell o’ the Brae to be
IT’s a legendary tale of how William Wallace, along with 300 followers, revolted against an overwhelming English force occupying Glasgow in about 1297.
After riding to Glasgow from Ayr, and outnumbered more than three to one, Wallace routed the enemy, and reclaimed the city.
And now centuries on a Glasgow councillor has called for the site of the Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae to be listed as a historic battlefield.
Nina Baker, Green councillor for the Anderston and City ward, believes the site should be acknowledged by Historic Environment Scotland.
Langside is currently the only historic location in the Glasgow City area that holds historic battlefield status.
Cllr Baker has added her suggestion to the Proposed City Development Plan, which will be looked over by the Scottish Government. She said: “The document mentioned that there was only one historic battle site in Glasgow and I thought that it was strange not to mention the Battle of the Bell o’ the Brae. Even though it’s not a designated one yet, why would we not mention that there was this other battle?
“For many years I’ve been trying to get that area of Glasgow much better recognition because it’s in the historic heart of the city and it’s really neglected by the development programmes.
“What ought to be the heart of tourism, is really unloved and unthought about.”
The proposal has been backed by the Society of William Wallace, who recently unveiled a William Wallace monument in the same area after campaigning for building permission since 2010.
Gary Stewart, Society of William Wallace convenor, said: “I am a great believer in if you don’t know where you came from how can you learn from your mistakes, and that’s why I believe Scotland’s history is so important.”
HE continued: “Most people in Glasgow would not have known Wallace was even in Glasgow and that’s why this battle is so important.
“This battle also increased Wallace’s reputation at the time – as this was only months before the battle of Stirling Bridge.”
If the proposals go ahead, it is hoped it will bring more footfall
to the area and benefit local businesses.
Cllr Baker added: “While it may not have been the longestrunning battle, it is accepted as having actually happened and there is a Wallace monument to commemorate it. Given that the only currently listed Historic Battlefield (Langside) looks no more like a battlefield today than does the Bell o’ the Brae area, I think the latter is highly deserving of such recognition.”
A spokesman for Historic Environment Scotland said: “Anybody can propose a battlefield for inclusion on the National Inventory of Battlefields. All they have to do is submit a completed application form.”
According to the legend, Wallace gained his famous victory at the Bell o’ the Brae after his army of 300 horsemen divided and put 1000 troops under Earl Percy to flight. The battle was said to be over in minutes and Percy killed by Wallace’s sword.
Wallace’s men pursued those who fled as far as Bothwell where it is said they encountered another force and routed them too.