Simon Fraser (died 1306) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Simon Fraser
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Arms of Simon Fraser.
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| Died | 8 September 1306 London, England |
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Sir Simon Fraser was a brave Scottish knight from Oliver and Neidpath castles. He played an important part in the Wars of Scottish Independence, a big fight for Scotland's freedom. Sadly, he was executed in a very harsh way in 1306. His story shows how difficult and dangerous it was to live during these times.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Simon Fraser was the son of another Simon Fraser. His father was a sheriff in Peebles and looked after the forests of Selkirk and Traquair. His mother's name was Maria.
When his father passed away in 1291, young Simon Fraser didn't immediately take over his father's jobs. This might have been because he was slow to agree to the rule of Edward I of England. King Edward instead gave the Selkirk Forest to someone else.
Joining the Scottish Cause
As King Edward I started to show he wanted to control Scotland, Simon Fraser decided to join the Scottish side. He was captured during the Battle of Dunbar in 1296. After being taken prisoner, he was sent to England and lost his lands.
He was later released to serve King Edward I in a military trip to Flanders in 1297. Fraser even became a "household knight," which meant he was part of the king's personal guard. King Edward gave him a horse before the Battle of Falkirk. In this battle, Fraser was with the English cavalry that defeated the army led by William Wallace. Because of his good service, he got his lands and titles back in 1299. He also became the Keeper of Selkirk Forest and was with the English at the Siege of Caerlaverock in 1300.
Changing Sides and Key Battles
In the middle of 1301, Simon Fraser switched back to the Scottish side. He led the Scottish army to victory at the Battle of Roslin in 1303. He fought alongside John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, also known as "Red Comyn." During this battle, Fraser killed an English clerk named Ralph Manton. Fraser accused Manton of stealing money from King Edward and not paying him when he was serving the English.
Refusing to Surrender
After the Battle of Roslin, King Edward I marched north through Stirling and Perth. As he got closer to Dunfermline, many Scottish leaders, including Red Comyn, met his army and gave up. However, Simon Fraser refused to promise loyalty to the English King and did not attend this meeting.
In March 1304, Fraser and William Wallace were surprised by English forces at Happrew and were defeated. By June, Fraser had left Wallace and agreed to King Edward's peace terms. In 1305, he was even asked to help hunt down his former friend, William Wallace.
Final Stand and Legacy
In March 1306, Simon Fraser once again changed his loyalty, this time joining Robert the Bruce. He managed to escape from the defeat at the Battle of Methven. However, he was captured later that summer in 1306 near Stirling.
King Edward had ordered that all supporters of King Robert be executed. He also commanded that Simon Fraser's lands be destroyed. Fraser was sent to London and was executed in a very harsh way in September 1306. His head was placed on a spike on London Bridge, next to William Wallace's.
Family Life
Simon Fraser had two known children:
- Margaret Fraser: She married Sir Gilbert Haya of Lochorwart. Through her, the Barony of Neidpath went to the Hay family. They had children.
- Joan Fraser: She married Sir Patrick Fleming of Biggar. Through her, the Barony of Oliver went to the Fleming family. They also had children.
