Alexander III Monument *
Region: Fife & St Andrews
© Copyright Mat Fascione and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Description:
The monument is close to the spot where King Alexander III of Scotland died after a fall from his horse. He was riding in the dark to visit his Queen, Yolande of Dreux, at Kinghorn in Fife on 18 March 1286.
He had spent the evening at Edinburgh Castle celebrating his second marriage and overseeing a meeting with royal advisors.
He was cautioned against making the journey to Fife because of atrocious conditions but crossed the Forth from Dalmeny to Inverkeithing anyway. On arriving there, he insisted on not stopping for the night, despite the pleas of the nobles accompanying him. Alexander ignored the repeated warnings and set off with his retinue and two local guides.
He became separated from his party near Kinghorn and was found dead with a broken neck near the shore the following morning. It is assumed that his horse had lost its footing in the dark. After Alexander's death, his realm was plunged into a period of darkness that would eventually lead to war with England. He was buried in Dunfermline Abbey.
© Copyright kim traynor and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Quhen Alysandyr oure kyng wes dede
That Scotland led in luive and le.
Away wes sonce of ale and brede,
Of wyne and wax, of gamyn and gle;
Oure gold wes changed into lede.
Cryst! Borne into Virgynyte,
Succour Scotland and remede,
That stad is in perplexyte.
[When Alexander our King was dead,
That Scotland led in love and peace,
Away the abundance of ale and bread,
Of wine and wax, of game and merriment.
Our gold was changed into lead—
Christ! born into virginity,
Help Scotland and cure
That troubled state.]
Andrew de Wyntoun,
Orygynale Cronykil of Scotland, 14thC