jrah60 Administrator
Joined: 04 Dec 2009 Posts: 1915 Location: East Kilbride
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Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2010 4:24 pm Post subject: Battle of Drumclog Memorial |
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Battle of Drumclog Memorial.
1st June 1679
UKNIWM: Not Listed
Grid Ref No NS 6239
As his reign progressed Charles II imposed increasingly extreme controls on non- conformity throughout his kingdoms. In 1679 this led to open revolt by Covenanters in south west Scotland, following the murder of Archbishop Sharp on 3rd May 1679. The assassins were pursued by John Graham of Claverhouse with a small detachment of horse and dragoons. Claverhouse marched south from Glasgow but, warned of his intention to intercept them at Loudon Hill, the rebels deployed near to the farm of Drumclog, 2km NE of Loudon Hill.
Given the numbers involved, particularly on the government side, this can be considered little more than a skirmish, despite the significance of its repercussions. According to Smurthwaite the rebels deployed behind a marsh. According to Black, and supported by the limited terrain evidence collected for this report, they were behind a ditch and with marshes all around. This effective selection of terrain by the rebels precluded a cavalry attack and so Claverhouse’s dragoons dismounted and advanced on foot to within pistol shot. In response the rebels charged against the centre and left flank of the government deployment. Heavily outnumbered, the government forces broke and fled.
Extracted from www.battlefieldstrust.com
The front of the memorial is inscrbed as follows.
IN COMMEMORATION
OF THE VICTORY
OBTAINED ON THIS
BATTLEFIELD
On Sabbath The 1st June 1679
By Our
COVENANTING FOREFATHERS
OVER GRAHAME OF CLAVERHOUSE
AND HIS DRAGOONS
The reverse side is inscribed as follows:
ERECTED IN 1839
REBUILT IN 1867 |
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