Hugh de Cressingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hugh de Cressingham |
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| Arms of Hugh de Cressingham Argent, three swans in pale sable, beaked gules. |
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| Alice de Cressingham | |
| Died | 11 September 1297 |
Sir Hugh de Cressingham (died 11 September 1297) was an important English official. He served as the treasurer for the English government in Scotland from 1296 to 1297. He is best known for his role and death at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. This battle was a major event during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
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Who Was Hugh de Cressingham?
Hugh de Cressingham was the son of William de Cressingham. He started his career as a clerk, which meant he handled official paperwork and records. He also worked for Eleanor of Castile, who was the queen of King Edward I. Hugh was her steward, managing her household and lands.
Early Career and Royal Service
In 1292, King Edward I asked Hugh to check the money owed to his father, King Henry III. For the next three years, Hugh was a lead judge in the northern parts of England. This shows he was trusted with important legal duties. He also held positions in several churches, like being a rector, which is a type of church leader.
Treasurer of Scotland
In 1296, King Edward I gave Hugh a very important job. He made him the treasurer of Scotland. This meant Hugh was in charge of all the money and finances for the English rule in Scotland. King Edward told him to spend whatever was needed to fully bring Scotland under English control.
The Battle of Stirling Bridge
Hugh de Cressingham was killed during the Battle of Stirling Bridge on 11 September 1297. He was an adviser to John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, the English commander. Cressingham suggested a direct attack across the narrow bridge. This was a risky plan.
The Scottish forces, led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray, used the narrow bridge to their advantage. As the English soldiers crossed, they became crowded and disorganized. The Scots then attacked, trapping many English soldiers on the bridge. This strategy led to a big defeat for the English army.
Cressingham was killed during the battle. According to stories from that time, his body was treated very harshly by the Scots. This was a sign of how much they disliked him. Some accounts say that William Wallace even had a strip of Cressingham's skin taken to make a sword belt. Other stories simply say his skin was taken as a symbol of their hatred. These actions showed the strong feelings and anger the Scots had towards the English officials.
