The Wallace Oak
Do you want to join us in making a difference? We are raising money in aid of The Society of William Wallace and every donation will help. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to all patriots.
Oral tradition and legend tells us that Sir William Wallace was chained to a tree in what is now Port Glasgow before being taken to London to be executed in 1305. For centuries, the people of the area looked after the well-being of the tree and marked its historic importance by putting a symbolic chain (latterly daubed with red paint to symbolise Wallace’s blood) around the tree. After his betrayal and capture by the Earl of Menteith at Robroyston on the outskirts of Glasgow on 3rd August 1305, he was taken immediately to Menteith’s stronghold at Dumbarton Castle and held overnight. The next day the oral tradition has Wallace being taken across the River Clyde to what became West Ferry (outside Langbank), from where he was taken by the Roman road to what is now the grounds of the Holy Family Church in upper Port Glasgow.
There he was chained to an Oak tree as Menteith waited to transfer Wallace over to the English troops who would transport him via the Roman roads to London, where he was hung, drawn and quartered on 23rd August 1305 by order of King Edward 1 of England. The tree became known as The Wallace Oak and became part of the community that later would become Port Glasgow.
The Wallace Oak Project is a local subgroup within the Society of William Wallace, working to commemorate Wallace’s link with Port Glasgow for historical and local economy reasons.
Firstly, the team is fundraising to create a commemorative sculpture and information lecterns at the place where the oak once proudly stood. The design has been produced, approved by the Holy Family Church for its grounds, and planning permission is in place.
The monument will feature a grey granite sculpture which simulates a tree trunk with engraved text. A red powdered coated chain will be firmly fixed to the base and will sit on a circular dark grey granite plinth.
A brick paved path will provide access level access to the structures and they will be surrounded by a circular area of block paving bound by a heel kerb.
The society have already raised a considerable amount of money toward the sculpture but require another £2500 to complete our fundraising efforts. We gratefully accept any contribution to see our project over the line and onward to completion.
Oral tradition and legend tells us that Sir William Wallace was chained to a tree in what is now Port Glasgow before being taken to London to be executed in 1305. For centuries, the people of the area looked after the well-being of the tree and marked its historic importance by putting a symbolic chain (latterly daubed with red paint to symbolise Wallace’s blood) around the tree. After his betrayal and capture by the Earl of Menteith at Robroyston on the outskirts of Glasgow on 3rd August 1305, he was taken immediately to Menteith’s stronghold at Dumbarton Castle and held overnight. The next day the oral tradition has Wallace being taken across the River Clyde to what became West Ferry (outside Langbank), from where he was taken by the Roman road to what is now the grounds of the Holy Family Church in upper Port Glasgow.
There he was chained to an Oak tree as Menteith waited to transfer Wallace over to the English troops who would transport him via the Roman roads to London, where he was hung, drawn and quartered on 23rd August 1305 by order of King Edward 1 of England. The tree became known as The Wallace Oak and became part of the community that later would become Port Glasgow.
The Wallace Oak Project is a local subgroup within the Society of William Wallace, working to commemorate Wallace’s link with Port Glasgow for historical and local economy reasons.
Firstly, the team is fundraising to create a commemorative sculpture and information lecterns at the place where the oak once proudly stood. The design has been produced, approved by the Holy Family Church for its grounds, and planning permission is in place.
The monument will feature a grey granite sculpture which simulates a tree trunk with engraved text. A red powdered coated chain will be firmly fixed to the base and will sit on a circular dark grey granite plinth.
A brick paved path will provide access level access to the structures and they will be surrounded by a circular area of block paving bound by a heel kerb.
The society have already raised a considerable amount of money toward the sculpture but require another £2500 to complete our fundraising efforts. We gratefully accept any contribution to see our project over the line and onward to completion.
Organizer
Stuart Duncan
Organizer
Scotland
The Society of William Wallace
Beneficiary