The Bannockburn Story you Don't Hear About… The Truth about Henry de Bohun?
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- Опубликовано: 9 сен 2024
- Robert the Bruce and the Battle of Bannockburn are well known to every Scotsman, but there are still secrets to be revealed. Scottish history tour guide, Bruce Fummey reveals a series of the lesser known stories from the Battle of Bannockburn
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Scotland History Tours is here for people who want to learn about Scottish history and get ideas for Scottish history tours. I try to make videos which tell you tales from Scotland's past and give you information about key dates in Scottish history and historical places to visit in Scotland. Not all videos are tales from Scotland's history, some of them are about men from Scotland's past or women from Scotland's past. Basically the people who made Scotland. From April 2020 onward I've tried to give ideas for historic days out in Scotland. Essentially these are days out in Scotland for adults who are interested in historical places to visit in Scotland.
As a Scottish history tour guide people ask: Help me plan a Scottish holiday, or help me plan a Scottish vacation if your from the US. So I've tried to give a bit of history, but some places of interest in Scotland as well.
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More about Robert the Bruce and Bannockburn
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Best haggis story ever.
When will the tickets for your New Zealand shows be released? Guessing they will be through a NZ ticketing agent
Manl,.l just shillelaghed my pants ! Much thánks.
Excellent stories very interesting
A poem Bannockburn
De Boyun Charges...
"Get intae him Robbie" the Sodgers cried
"He's only nearly double yer size"
Rab Stepped aside His Pony nimble
He always said She could turn on a thimble
De Boyun came on O' What a sight
Full Armour Helm Lance held tight
Rob stood up tall grippin' His Axe
Wi' it's lang lang shaft
De Boyun rushed past stabbin' at air
His Chance O' Fortune wis nae mair
Rob swung His Axe
an' cleft the Helm
De Boyun fell doon an; enteret Hell
The Sodgers cried "O Whit a Stroke"
King Robert wis sad Cause His Axe wis broke
So There
The Bold DeBoyun
lies Deid
In a pool o' blood
Wi' His V shaped Heid....
Bruce and de Bohun were fighting for the Croon,
Bruce took his battle-axe and knocked de Bohun doon.
Makes sense Bruce wouldn't take an unnecessary risk the day before battle, but regardless, he still stoved his heed in
Until the advent and adoption of man portable rifled guns, generals often ranged far ahead of their armies with a smaller retinue.
Brilliant comment, Bruce complained after it that he broke his favourite axe
I suspect that someone looking for chivalrous conduct in medieval times would have found it mostly in books, not on battlefields.
Unless you ransoming prisoners
You've got that right. 👍
No chivalry in destrier-charging an enemy with levelled lance that isn't fully armoured and armed themself.
Either way, Robert the Bruce was victorious .
Love the channel.
True
"And that's when haggis was invented".
Sometimes, a comedy punchline is written that will reverberate through history.
I think I cracked three ribs laughing.
So many thanks, Bruce.
Ah, I'm delighted
@@ScotlandHistoryTours I have but one upvote to give you. (I'll make a Kofi payment next month so you know my thanks are sincere. Hope your time in the Antipodes is a rollicking success.)
@@ScotlandHistoryTours there is a herd of Haggis roaming free here in the wilds of the wirral...I blame reading the Beano...
@eamonnclabby7067
Truth be told, Gnasher is a hairy haggis.
Legit.
The truth always lies somewhere in the middle doesn't it? Time and propaganda always cloud reality. Thanks Bruce!
Aye, right enough
Brilliant Star Trek Scotty impersonation.
The John Barbour version of the story seems to me to be have been interwoven with metaphor to show how Robert the Bruce came to defeat the English- a lightly-armed underdog using nimbleness, intelligence and nerves of steel to get the better of a powerful but arrogant foe. Barbour was a poet and he understood the importance of symbolism and storytelling- even if the duel didn't happen quite the way he said it did, the dramatic, perhaps embellished, version he told perfectly illustrated what The Bruce had accomplished as a leader and warrior.
Experts in medieval weapons and armour have for a long time found it pretty improbable that anyone could have literally chop through an iron helmet and split someone's head in half, even a powerful warrior with a first-rate axe. Medieval armour was really good at defending from slashing and chopping blows from bladed weapons, and helmets were usually the strongest part. A skilled and experienced veteran soldier like The Bruce would probably have aimed the blow at a less well-protected part of his opponent to make sure he killed or disabled him. That adds to the likelihood that the Barbour version is at least a bit exaggerated for poetic effect.
Don't you just love the poetry?
Another great episode, never would i take the word of an Englishman to tell me the truth, about Scottish history.
You very wee minded man
I did the the wars of independence for my Sixth Year History about 40+ years ago now. I scraped a pass despite missing the whole historiography section. My brilliant history teacher was appalled, but the stuff I had done must have been good enough…
I’ve read a few of the better books on Bruce too, but this is the first time I’ve heard the English chronicle’s version. What I know is that the primary/secondary sources always paint the picture from their own perspective and you need to find the truth in all of it. That’s what you’ve really said here.
So here’s what I think. De Bohun was scouting as the English source said. He ran into/was ambushed by the Scots who may have known he was coming, though why Bruce would but himself in danger… A melee ensues where Bruce or one of his crew kill de Bohun in a square go. Game over.
Scots portray it as a heroic 1 on 1, England as a shabby ambush. Glosses over that England was on another imperial adventure in a then sovereign country they had no business being in attempting to displace the rightful King of Scots.
I’m going for the first version, not least for the showcasing of a great story being told by a great story teller! 👏👍
You're too kind
Either way, I don't see underhandedness on the part of Sir Bruce. In both accounts, Sir Henry initiated the attack bc he thought the Scotts were in a position of disadvantage. He miscalculated and lost.
The second story has some merit in that it gives me the impression that Bruce may have considered De Bohun's party as a scouting party and therefore needed to be eliminated before "it saw too much" of the Scottish preparations. However, the first story is the most impressive given that the Scots were so very much outnumbered and therefore, when this story (whether true or not) spread throughout the Scots army, it must have been so inspirational in contributing to their victory on the second day. It also makes for a better story for Hollywood! 😂
100%! Exactly my take-away from the incident.
Bohun, nephew of the High Constable of England was likely trying to impress senior management, his uncle the Earl of Hereford and Essex was Edward II's brother in law as well as one of the very top brass on the English side - it turned out to be a bad career move for the young knight.
Hereford and Essex was amongst many nobles captured after the battle and ransomed as part of an exchange deal and financial arrangement.
Another class video Bruce. About time you were linked up with schools to get this heritage to our kids, told in your clever and engrossing manner. Keep 'em coming 10/10
Thanks for that
Agreed, but never going to happen, until we revoke the union and replace Holyrood with a lawful Scottish Parliament.
Meantime, Wastemonster and the ruling English class will never allow Scottish people, schoolchildren included, to learn of their genuine history.
It's step #101 of colonising a nation.
Stories are great. I'm English, my home is Edinburgh, so I'll go with story one.
Have a good antipodean trip, Mr Fummey
I'm more inclined towards the first version but with a fair few pinches of salt. It wasn't uncommon for leaders with good leadership skills to be out ahead of their troops or be doing the rounds of the encampment, encouraging their troops prior to a battle or on the march. And by all accounts, from plenty of other primary sources, de Bohun was known to be inclined towards rash behaviour, so yes, it was perfectly possible that he took his fateful decision and rode out to tackle the Bruce.
The second story is more likely. He's chivalrous to his Foe, but a back stabbing traitor and a murderer to his allies. He murdered my ancestor in a church when he was confronted for a leaked coup to steal the Scottish throne and he murdered my family progenitor as well as massacring half of my ancestors who tried to rally against him after the murder. They were both supposed to be protectors of the Scottish throne.
I like the pink house coat idea, but baulkd at the origin of haggis. Mebbe Zombie Picts? Regardless, guid tale Sennachie.
@@missfoxglove8989 history doesn’t remember the losers. I wouldn’t take it so personally. Bruce did the business when it was needed, that why he is remembered as the greatest ever Scotsman. Shame for those that got in his way, but hey, it’s a hard life being a medieval mafioso.
Some of the most famous military leaders in history took risks and led from the front, when occasion demanded it. Alexander the Great, Julius Caeser, Napoleon and even Nelson.
@@missfoxglove8989Time to get over it don’t you think? 😊🏴
I’m liking the first story. Any story about Robert the Bruce is most interesting to me. My ancestor was his amor bearer, secretary, & friend which eventually years later led to Drum Castle. Thanks for sharing this with us Bruce!! Stay awesome!!❤️🏴
I'm a trekkie and loved the reference!
I did it for you Kathleen
@@ScotlandHistoryTours 🥰
love your vids, thehistory is amazing
That was a blast. Absolutely loved it, and love hearing stories both true and folklore about King Robert.
Glad you enjoyed it
The spider went on to have a successful career as a motivational speaker.
LOVE your side on how haggis was invented - that created an explosion of laughter from me! Obviously, your final comments are the most logical and the Scots would "never" falsely embellish history in their favor the way the other side liked to do!
😜
Is that why Scottish look-outs claimed that the English army approaching Stirling must have been 40,000-strong......?
@martinodoni8943
I, along with others, I'm sure, would be everso appreciative, were you to provide links to support your comment.
Unless, of course, it's spurious nonsense, created in a pique of rage, in the manner of a five year old having a hissy fit, because they don't like what they hear?!
I'm sure that isn't the case, but it looks suspiciously so, ergo, I would be somewhat remiss not to enquire, as I'm sure you understand.
Hi Bruce, Robert the Bruce is my ancestor, and I have the Bruce lineage back 33 generations. I love history and anthropology. I also enjoy your channel.
Very cool
Hello cousin. King Robert the Bruce is my 19th great grandfather. I'm going with number one but agreeing with both in that he was the victor
Wonderfully delivered.
Hi Bruce another great video. I wish you well on your travels. And we will see you when you get back to your much loved Scotland. ..... Elgin
I hope so
Thank you from a history & genealogy buff, in the USA), who has greatly enjoyed your work, Mr. Fummey! It may be that I'm descended both from Malcolm Canmore and Edward II; definitely from Duncan I and also Henry & Eleanor. This is fascinating, as I both admire Robert the Bruce and am (possibly), a descendant of the Behun family. Please keep telling the stories of all the sorts of people who made Scotland what it is, and what it can be!
I think that the first version is nearest the truth, Robert the Bruce was a doughty fighter with the axe and he often used highland ponies because the were better suited to the terrain.
Always interesting, always entertaining, always informative.
Brilliantly telt. Honestly I am fine with either version as the outcome is what really matters. Hope you are planning a Canadian tour sometime after the Aussies and Kiwis. Saor Alba Gu Brath.
One of my very favorite stories, Bruce! Thanks again for a great telling!
*And as a fellow historian, I'm sure there's probably a bit of truth to both versions and the actual truth somewhere in between, as both versions have some sense of the realities of warfare and politics of the time.
I so enjoy your videos. I wish complete success with your comedy tour. Hope you someday make it to the states.
Maybe one day!
Thank you for the video....masterfully told. Coming from a hearty stock of storytellers myself (deep in the Appalachian wood of North Carolina, US), I can sit for hours listening to good stories. After listening to a few of yours...I cannot for the life of me understand how anyone can call history "boring" (unless it be told by a detached school teacher). Good travels Sir 😎
Just love the way you tell a story 🙂
Thanks Vickie
THANK YOU
Another spectacular production. Vivid
Much appreciated!
Come do a show in Texas!
I'm measuring up a bullet proof vest as we speak😜
I can't believe I only just found this page, I would have loved to see your live show in Melbourne! I was only a few weeks late.
Next time
Regardless of the version, Bruce still looks amazing.
Live long & prosper, friend!
😜
I've told this story myself, but I'm going to add in the haggis part now... it make logical sense!!!
But how does it square with the wild haggis being chased round the mountains by the haggis hunting dogs that Bruce previously revealed?
@robertlanglands9161
Socialised haggis are entirely different from their feral cousins, obviously.
Being English myself,I'm very fascinated by Bruce's character.I heard he did dine some of the English barons taken prisoner after the battle.:)
It was customary, as they'd be hostages for reward in cash or favour, so makes sense to treat them well.
I think I'm going with the first story. Because, as we all know, history is written by the winner. 😉
Both versions of the story are plausible and the truth is probably a third. Funnily enough, as an Englishman (actually 25% Scots) the only version I've previously heard is the first one, the Scots version although in that version (of the version) it took place as the opening action of the battle rather than the night before. Another excellent video Bruce!
There's a great story from the US Navy F-14 community, that puts a more likely optic on this encounter. One of the leading Tomcat pilots had a very high win/loss record in simulated aerial combat, he was the Top Cat. A new pilot keen to try himself against the best goes into the pre-flight brief and Top Cat tells him the fight will be guns only. Ok old school and a more worthy kill for the best of the best etc....
Twenty seconds into the aerial fight and Top Cat is claiming a Fox2 kill (IR Missile) from three miles away. "What the hell, you said guns only!" "Sorry my bad, guns only!" They break off into the second planned fight and ten seconds later Top Cat claims a Fox 3 (radar guided missile) kill from nine miles away, and turns for home.
In the debrief this god of the air is challenged over his integrity. He replies "Integrity down - kill ratio up"
Once you've decided to settle your differences by sticking bits of metal into each other, you've bet the house on a vicious hand and stuck with a fight to the death - kill ratio is everything. Integrity can be debated later by those away from the cockpit.
A true testament to the stupidity of humankind.
Stuff the bloody Marquis of Fantailler.
"Arise Sir Bruce Fumey " 😄...that's no gonnae happen noo ! 🤣🤣🤣
I’m American of English and Scottish descent. According to my research, some of my Mom’s people were in fact de Bohun. I knew this story and when I discovered that Henry de Bohun would be a cousin to me. I think more likely it was a combination of both stories . I think Henry stumbled upon the Bruce and Bruce wacked him fair and square with an axe
Likely, it took more than one blow, any others, once De Bohun was unhorsed.
Not a pretty ending, but no less grisly than the skewering he'd planned for De Bruce.
Live by the, er...lance, die by the, er...axe.
brilliant
I watched another RUclips video a while back that did an experiment using a replica medieval helmet and axe, in which they tried to split the helmet with a single axe blow as per the Bruce legend. They found it impossible to split the helmet with a single blow. Not impossible to kill who was inside the helmet just impossible to split the helmet with a single blow. I believe the second story is more likely as by this stage in the wars of independence, experience would have taught the Scots army and leadership that they would have to be uncompromisingly calculated, cunning and feral to achieve victory over almost always superior odds.
I'm of the opinion the blow was intend to stun and unhorse Bohun.
Hard to get up, leaving him totally vulnerable, already comatose or dead.
Bruce would have known this, no stranger to some the drawbacks of armour, helmets in particular, himself.
The rest was likely embellishment, propaganda.
Either way, Bohun didn't survive the encounter, costing England dearly, psychologically, as well as depleting them of valued manpower, all for the sake of personal glory.
Someone states, in comments, his family had fallen out of favour with the king, which would go some way to explaining why he'd break ranks, as a scout or as a means of regaining his family honour, but it proved fatal, instead.
His family were not what you could ever describe as lucky.
Centuries later, Michael Collins employed the same asymmetrical warfare tactics against the same enemy with much the same result.
The way encounters of the sort on horses go, there could be elements of truth to both stories. A following blow as a mounted opponent passes would strike from behind. Also, Scottish mounts might be smaller, more agile "ponies" than the larger "destriers" used by the many knights. If the Bruce were scouting the situation to see for himself, the encounter could be both chance and planned. As regards the destruction of the rest of the vanguard party, it's unlikely a "vanguard" would be composed of just one night, and, wel,l the Scotts had little use for the southerners anyway.
very good
So I’m up at 4am in S.Ontario so I can make boxing training at 6:30 and I find a RUclips alert to another brilliant video from Bruce. Had me dying with laughter. Now I have to get that out of my head somehow before sparring. Cheers Bruce; another blinder. When are you touring Canada? 😎🇨🇦🎸
Live shows in Canada in 2024. Shows in Halifax, Annapolis, New Glasgow, Moncton, Montreal, Perth , Ottawa, Toronto, Fergus, Seaforth, Calgary, Vancouver and Victoria. Most of the details are here. www.brucefummey.co.uk/shows.aspx
I thank you for what you
do
Thanks for the new video! 😊
You're welcome
Always makes us smile. Thanks.
😁
Love your content
"Sittin on a little pony, dressed in a pink house coat and slippers" 😂😂😂😂
That got me on my knees heaving🤣
😜
Bruce, I always enjoy your historical facts and “stories”. ☺️
Glad you like them!
Awesome video. I read this account long ago, and it always just makes a lot of sense. There are a myriad of things Bruce may have been doing out and about on the easiest mount he could find.
You're not doing any Sydney shows! 😫
As an American of French descent, I'm going to go with the "rash young knight" version. As has been said many times: There's training . . . and then there's experience. Also known as "raw recruit versus grizzled veteran."
Aye
the correct pronunciation of that phrase is "old age and treachery beats youth and enthusiasm."
I don't know what Sir Henry's previous experience of fighting was, if any, but he was not a rash youth; he was a rash adult of 37, only 3 years younger than the Bruce.
@kenbrown2808
_Phrasing,_ as opposed to _pronunciation._
You're welcome. 👍
well done on your Downing St reply BTW👍
I love it. ☮️🌹🦋❤️
Ah thanks
Yeah defo one for the living room.....🤭👍atvb dave....
Brilliantly done pal, At 40 The Bruce would have been at his most physically powerful. As a bricklayers labourer I certainly was.
I would agree with the poem of Barbour on the account of De Bohuns death. I read a book which mentioned De Brus being a greta champion in Melee tournaments on the continent which earned him fame and fortune and showed he was a very proficient and competent combatant. The fact that De Bohun saw the King he must have let his ego get the best of him by charging the King as to De Bohun not just killing the King of Scots he would seal his reputation in chivalric terms but defeating a famous knight who won numerous Tournaments/Melee’s.
The kid was a contender, but paid the price of his inexperience.
Jousting tournaments and battlefields are two different animals.
I have to agree with several people in that it would make more sense that the first version occurred. I don't believe that he would take soldiers and ambush a small scouting group at the risk of leaving his post. Why run down a few scouts? He would have let them come to him and there were also recorded accounts, apposed to heresay from the English. Loved your video as always ❤
I prefer the origin story of haggis. Sincerely Your American Cousin. Ian Anderson. ( Scots on both sides Anderson and Thornton, both in and around the Paisley area.) I am a Long time watcher of your channel, thank you sir for what you do and the way you do it.
I'll go for the first version.
But there is no way in hell that the Bruce was unprepared. Bannockburn is famous for the shallow pits, holes and spikes. Bruce's lack of armour and small pony and apparent unpreparedness were an enticement.
Thousands of English cavalry had already started chasing Randolphs footsoldiers on the other route into Stirling Castle, which could have ended with Bruce being totally outflanked.
'Attack me ! Attack me ! Here I am ! There's my flag look!'
What Barbour fails to mention in my opinion is that Bruce and his wee pony were maybe behind a hidden shallow pit and the dafty de Bohun was already on his way down or put off balance.
Rope a Dope!
Sounds about right to me.
I'd guess he knew it was Bruce, but had his daft heid on, thinking his superior weight with him and the destrier fully armoured, his reach advantage with the lance and Bruce's obvious lack of protection and arms would make it easy.
The Spangle got what he deserved.
😂😂😂
I doubt it because he would not have wanted his pits given away over one knight.
Good morning from America Bruce my friend! Another grand tale on this grand winter's day. Well told!
So...he did all that in his housecoat and slippers ...just to give the right start for hostilities (which he won) the next day...which is why we can sit and enjoy our Bruce give a blow by blow versions of the tale...thanks Bruce hope you enjoy the coffees
Big thanks
@@ScotlandHistoryTours It's my plesure
I go for the first version.
Personally through my studies I like a in-between approach Robert trying to prepare and ready the feild while de burn scouting for the English and the meet each other unexpectedly de burn sees his opportunity to kill the king and Robert with an option run or fight and chooses the option to fight
Bruce - 1 Bohun - 0.
Scotland - 1 England - 0
Two day match, Scotland taking an early lead, England unable to equalise on this occasion, the win deserved by Scotland, England, defeated and dejected, returning home, the losers, their supporters bitterly disappointed, as, on paper, they looked to have had that one in the bag, but overconfidence proved their undoing, poor pre-match planning inadequate to the task against this strong Scotland team.
It seems correct that in the heat of battle there's a reckless charge by a knight who is in turn killed in a planned or opportunistic trap.
By whom?
Combat can be messy.
Credit for killing a knight can go both ways. You are both a hero to your own, and a villin to the enemy. At some point those with the biggest purse make the story.
It's likely that the biggest purse is also the winner of the war.
But old soldiers....are winners no matter their nations win or loss.
Staying alive is a sensible plan.
I've sent dates to my pals down under. I'd love to be there and come and see yas. Keep up the great work.
Yaaay
Interesting. I read a book by a Mr. McNair Scott and I swear he told it like the first version except it was the morning of the battle. I’ll have to fish that book out again.
And did you....fish the book out, I mean?
@@billyandrew I couldn’t find it! I might have to see if I can find an online version now.
Nice one Brucie! 😏
Thanks! 😃
Star Trek references will never be too far!
History is written by the victorious or so I've heard. But I think 9:15 you have shown so well is told from the unique perspective of the historian's interpretation of facts. Repeated until it becomes truth. We can't help being human, ego defenses et al. As you prove so well in each wonderful video. Thank you.
I've always liked the Nigel Tranter version of the first story. Bruce was careless and then couldn't back down when he was challenged. De Bohun was just out of his depth lol.
De Bohun was unsurpassed in all jousting tournaments.
Battlefields are a different game altogether.
It's like paintball and war. 😂
Grew up in torwood
Bruce and De Bruin fought for the Crown. Bruce took up his battle axe and knocked the bugger down.
An old scot tale/poem poem.
Love your Baja top Bruce ,I have a one ❤.
The second version I only heard on your video, I learnt as a child from the Ladybird book Robert the Bruce that the knight challenged the Scottish King along with the story about the spiders web. By the way I heard that Robert the Bruce was born in the village of Writtle, Essex, in England not in Scotland.
I hope you get a good reception when you visit Perth, the most important one, the city in Western Australia, because I went to school there.
He was born in Ayreshire.
The proper name was *De* Bruce, obviously of French origin.
@@billyandrew I thought no one knows for sure where Robert the Bruce was born. It is also claimed that while the family was travelling through, Robert the Bruce was actually born in the village of Writtle in Essex, England now a large village to the north east of Chelmsford.
I have cycled and driven through this village many times.
Great piece of storytelling. The English version sounds by far the more likely closer to what really happened, not just because it shows the Englishman losing (so it is a story against interest), but also because it doesn't make Bruce sound like a numpty. The Scottish version pretty transparently reflects conventions about chivalrous warfare at that time, not reality. To my modern sensibilities, it sounds like a story of FAFO.
however, it also makes excuses for the loss by the english; which IS in the english interest when the losing bit can't be denied.
The Scottish version implies that Bruce violated the Chivalry code by dodging De Bohun's attack. The code of Chivalry ruled that sidestepping or dodging was a sign that you lacked the strength and the courage to stand your ground and beat your opponent straight up.
@@martinodoni8943 does nothing of the sort. He accepts the challenge despite being unarmored and shows extraordinary physical prowess and courage facing a fully armored opponent according to the Scottish version. There was absolutely no chivalrous law that said you just stood there and smacked away at each other without any skill or finesse.
@@kenbrown2808 sure, but I also said it doesn't make it sound like Bruce was a numpty who got caught out without his gear on by some arsehole looking to pick a fight. That Bruce saw him coming and buried him sounds altogether more likely to me.
@@johnmurray2995 as I said in my own comment, I suspect if you averaged the stories, you'd have it about right. the English interest would be in saying he was armed and in saying there was an ambush, because that excuses the attack, and excuses the loss. the scots have an interest in saying the Bruce was caught unprepared, because that makes him sound even more badaxe.
What a fantastic channel. Educational, entertaining and funny. Although I'm English I have Scottish ancestry through my Nans branch of the family (MacFarlane) and the work you do helps connect me to that side of my ancestry. Extremely interested in the battle of Harlaw but struggle to find books on it. Currently reading Bludie Harlaw, Realities, Myths, Ballads. Do you know of any others? Any road keep up the good work.🙂
Not off the top of my head ruclips.net/video/PL6mZIGQz_M/видео.html
Well I like both stories and your jersey. And until now I liked haggis!
What did you do to get sentenced to transportation Bruce? LoL! Seriously, have a wonderful trip down under.
I think both stores are partly true and partly embellished I Don't think Robert the Bruce would have been caught off guard on the eve of battle.
Safe journeys Bruce.
I always look forward to seeing new content Bruce. Keep it up! 👍
Thanks man
History is replete with commanders venturing in front of their lines to view ground and dispositions and not unusual to do this on the fly
Going to be offshore in Darwin from February to April. Pity you weren't up North. My relatives in Christchurch, New Zealand might go if I tell them. Hope to catch you or your shows in Scotland sometime. Keep making the videos......my favourite Scottish history tutor 👍
Please tell them. We're going to Darwin for a bit of snorkelling
@ScotlandHistoryTours Ha ha. Pipelay for me. Leave the diving for ROV. Last time I went snorkeling was in Boracay, Philippines 🇵🇭 with my wife. A far cry from my hometown of Fraserburgh.
Having seen the ground in another video, it seems to me most likely that de Bohun happened upon a well-laid Scottish trap waiting for the English army above the ford, and Bruce had to stop him reporting back with details of the trap. So he took a spur of the moment decision, gathered what retainers that were within earshot, and rode down de Bohun's party before they had a chance to get back over the ford. It was a risky decision, as the English might themselves have prepared a trap for Robert the Bruce at the ford.
De Bohun looked at Bruce's pint. Such a sleight cannot go unpunished.
Interesting and hilarious
Thanks
"Though the English tell it differently"
On behalf of 2/3rds of the world's ethnic groups. Yes, they tend to have a habit of that
I heard the first version in England!
I’m going to tell you a story two ways…. « What an "anticipatory hook," Bruce, as I learned back in the day when I was becoming educated to be a teacher.
Bohun is pronounced Bowen (according to his descendants)
I, as an English educated semi Scotsman, learned the challenge version of this encounter, only that King Robert regretted the loss of his favourite axe
As someone who is the 17th great-grandson of Robert the Bruce, I always will pick the better, more heroic, and probable tale of The Bruce's courage and valor in this fight over Henry De Buhon. I just tend to prefer my Scottish ancestors over my English ones.
I nearly spit out a mouthful of coffee when you said that's how haggis was invented! 🤣
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Like all good stories, the truth often lies somewhere in between. For me, it sounds like de Bohun was making a scouting run ahead of the main force and saw a bunch of Scots, led by a man on horseback. Expecting him to obey the laws of chivalry he issued challenge, and tilted. This was an easy affair, the men stood to, the noblemen dealt with the business. Unaware it was Bruce himself, who saw the challenge coming, and as was perfectly acceptable to also do, said "Gettae fu oota here" and stood the challenge. Thinking him gone daft and crazy, the men pleaded with Bruce to retire, "tae fu yoo mad bastard?" Bruce refused, and won the challenge. De Bohun wasnt dead at the first strike however, but was badly wounded, and where he yielded would be ransomed, Bruce had no patience or the inclination to do so, and ended him on the ground. Not so grand or glorious, but it seems the most likely scenario. Considering no sources tell that the de Bohun men returned to raise the alarm, it seems the most likely that they were captured or killed following this. This would explain the emphasis on the "underhanded tactics" because refusing to accept a nobleman yielding was considered pretty abhorent. I mean even Henry V was still regarded badly for the French knights slaughtered by his men rather than keep them for ransom.
Where's the chivalry in Bohun charging a man not similarly armed and armoured?
Sounds to me like another gloryhound got his come-uppance.
He acted in a despicable manner, so was dispatched in his dishonourable state.
I'd have tossed his miserable corpse in a midden.
@@billyandrew we can debate the morality to it until the end of time really. Bruce was well known to go just about anywhere armed and armoured for battle. Perhaps he was, but without the means of knightly combat with him at the time? Did the other knight mistake him for a mounted scout or captain leading a reconnaissance on the English, and thus wasnt hesitant to attack him and his men at the time? These are all possible. Regardless, Bruce lived, the knight was killed, and the warning the knight could have given was not relayed back to the English. The outcome, regardless of the exact details, is still the same.