Flodden Field

Sadly, we all said our goodbyes today and headed home, the others with a long drive down south, and us with a very manageable drive up home.  We stopped at Coldstream for a brunch, bought the papers and had a browse while eating in a lovely wee cafe.

We wanted to see Flodden Field.  When we got there it was quiet and very impressive and atmospheric with the huge cross up on the hill facing the battleground.  But no sooner had we got out of the car than a party of about twelve arrived on a guided tour..... the guide was rather concerned that we would listen to his spiel without paying, but we were quite content to walk up on our own and know the history anyhow.

Then as we started up the path the Northumberland Ramblers arrived, about twenty of them!   They were a nice bunch and invited us to walk with them, but we declined due to time restraints.  

So when we got up to the monument, it was really crowded.

Afterwards we went into the small but ancient church at the foot of the hill, it is said that bodies from the battle were laid out there.


I've heard the lilting,at the yowe-milking,
Lassies a-lilting before dawn o' day; 
But now they are moaning on ilka green loaning; 
"The Flowers of the Forest are a' wede away". ...


Dool and wae for the order sent oor lads tae the Border! 
The English for ance, by guile wan the day, 
The Flooers o' the Forest, that fought aye the foremost, 
The pride o' oor land lie cauld in the clay.

An ancient lament for the army of James IV, the flower of Scottish manhood, slain with their king on the field of Flodden, September 1513.