Tomb of Wallace’s fallen comrade, Sir John de Graeme to become a memorial

Wednesday, 17 August 2011 06:59

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Sir John de Graeme who fell at the battle of Falkirk in 1298 - it’s said his body was carried from the field of battle to the churchyard at Falkirk for burial by Wallace himself - will have his final resting place restored.   Wallace is reported to have dismounted from his horse, took Graeme in his arms, kissed him and called him his “best brother”.

Graeme was interred in Falkirk Kirkyard - a replica of his sword,1869, and an iron cage, 1860, guard his final resting place.   The tomb has deteriorated greatly under the effects of weathering and vandals who broke and stole the sword.  A project funded by the Scottish Government’s town centre regeneration fund will restore the site.

Sir John de Graeme fought with Wallace at the Battle of ‘Stirling Brig’ in 1297 but died in Falkirk in July 1298 when the Scots were defeated by the army of the King of England, Edward I, who invaded Scotland­ - a  new sword has been commissioned and new bars will be erected.

The inscription on Sir John’s gravestone reads: “Here lyes Sir John the Grame, baith wight and wise, Ane of the chiefs who rescewit Scotland thrise, Ane better knight not to the world was lent, Nor was gude Graham of truth and hardiment.”

An ancient stone tablet inscription in Latin reads : “Potent in mind and hand and the faithful Achates of Wallace, Graeme is buried here slain in war by the English, 22nd July, 1298.”

Wallace is said to have avowed bloody vengeance for the death of his friend Graeme the “most notable casualty” in the Battle of Falkirk., who, as one of the chiefs, ‘rescued Scotland thrice’.

Born in Dundaff, Ayrshire in the late 13th century, Sir John was referenced as Schir Jhon the Grayme by 15th-century poet Blind Harry.