It had long been abandoned by Glasgow City Council (Labour), largely ignored by the Scottish Government (SNP), and belittled by Historic Scotland. Now, however, the huge historical significance of Robroyston in the nation's fight against an oppressive English ruler is beginning to be more widely recognised.
Importantly – as it is aimed at Glasgow children – a new historical guide to the city has highlighted William Wallace on the front cover, and includes coverage of both the Robroyston Wallace Monument and the nearby Wallace's Well.
The inclusion in the children's book is a significant milestone in the promotion of the two historical Glasgow locations, with the monument representing the exact spot where William Wallace was captured in 1305 by the soldiers of a Scottish noble acting on the orders of Edward I.
Wallace's capture at Robroyston, together with his subsequent trial and brutal execution in London, have long been recognised as among the country's most important historical events. Wallace's death signalled a new era in Scottish resistance which was to pave the way to Robert the Bruce's victory at Bannockburn just nine years later, while the courage and bravery of Wallace after his capture elevated him to the status of national hero.
Although the monument and well had been mostly forgotten (and have been recently threatened with demolition by property developers), both sites have now attracted some investment thanks largely to the efforts of the William Wallace society. Glasgow Guide also set up a
Robroyston Wallace Monument website in 2009 to highlight the dangers posed to the historical sites.
In further good news, the only item remaining in existence thought to have been in the possession of Wallace at the time of his capture at Robroyston – the 'safe transit letter' from King Philip of France – has been returned to Scotland for the first time in over 700 years and will go on display in Edinburgh in the summer.
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