John de Graham

For the 14th-century MP, see City of York (UK Parliament constituency).

Sir John de Graham b. early 13th century Dundaff; Ayrshire, Scotland d. 22 July 1298[1] Inverness, Scotland. He was a Scottish knight and soldier.

He was born in the lands of Dundaff, Ayrshire, Scotland. During the Wars of Scottish Independence he fought alongside Sir William Wallace. He was one of several notable Scottish casualties at the Battle of Falkirk, along with Sir John Stewart, Lord of Bonkyll, fought on 22 July 1298, when the Scottish forces were routed by Edward I of England's stronger force of cavalry.

He is buried at the Falkirk Old Parish Church, Stirlingshire, Falkirk, Scotland, with other fallen comrades.

The 15th-century poet Blind Harry wrote of "Schir Jhone the Grayme" in The Wallace. Wallace's lament at his death has been anthologised.

Sir John's gravestone and effigy can be found in Falkirk Old Parish Church. The inscription reads:

Here lyes Sir John the Grame, baith wight and wise,
Ane of the chiefs who rescewit Scotland thrise,
Ane better knight not to the world was lent,
Nor was gude Graham of truth and hardiment [2]

He gives his name to the Grahamston district in Falkirk, which gives its name to Falkirk Grahamston station.

Family

Sometime after 1355, his son Sir John married Mary II, suo jure Countess of Menteith, the daughter of Alan II, Earl of Menteith. They had a daughter, Margaret, who would inherit the title Countess of Menteith.

See also

References

  1. ↑ http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/13034590.Tomb_of_Wallace___s_finest_knight_is_to_be_restored/
  2. ↑ "Falkirk". Statistical Account of Scotland 19. 1791–1799. p. 100.
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