OS1/34/2/13

Continued entries/extra info

[page] 13
[Continued from page 12]

Abercorn Castle which stood at a point north-east of the church is the most authentic of all
these Abercorn edifices. It was the seat of the gallant Sir John the Graham, the friend
of Wallace who fell at Falkirk fighting against the oppressor of his Country, Edward I. of
England July 22, 1298 and with the hereditary Sheriffship of Linlithgowshire attached passed
subsequently into the hands of the Douglasses, the Mures, the Lindsays, the Setons, and the Hopes,
It was under the Douglas' family that strange imperium in imperio of Scottish history that
Abercorn sustained the memorable siege in which it was dismantled by the forces of James II
April 1455. The relative circumstances are highly illustrative of the pride and arrogance of
the haughty Douglas whose reply to Sir Patrick Gray, the King's messenger, when he came to the Castle
of Douglas to seek his sister's son is so memorable in Scottish history. etc. etc. -- Life on Land and Water at South Queensferry page 220

The Earl of Douglas had given notice to all his clients and retainers to rally round him should
the King dare to meet him in the field and especially Should he lay siege to Abercorn. The King
had done this and the point now at issue seemed to be whether the house of Stewart or that
of Douglas should reign for Douglas with banner displayed advanced to raise the siege of his Castle
at the head of 70,000 men, etc. etc. -- ibid. [as above] page 221

Had it not been for the Earl of Hamiltons defection from Douglas the Kings Cause would
have been precarious Hamilton and his adherents passed over to the King which being perceived
by the army of Douglas they faded piece by piece away, so that in the morning there appeared
nothing but plain fields in the King's sight. His Majesty went in pursuit of Douglass who
found refuge and aid from Donald Lord of the isles. But the King returned to and took Abercorn Castle.
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