A 13TH century coin has been unearthed by a construction worker while digging the foundations of the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. The coin, a long cross silver penny, was minted in London and bears the head of the Hammer of the Scots – Edward I. Known as Edward Longshanks for his height of 6 ft. 2 in., and sometimes as the "Hammer of the Scots." Edward was ruthless in pursuing his aims and crushing those who opposed him. He conquered large parts of Wales and almost succeeding in doing the same to Scotland.
Image by: forumancientcoins.comWeight: 1.415g
Diameter: 19.8mm
Obverse: +EDWR ANGLDNS HYB, tall central fleur to crown, sinister side-fleur broken, late S, facing bust of King
Reverse: CIVITAS CANTOR, long cross with trefoil of pellets in each angle
David Nelson, a Border Construction employee, found the coin while excavating the area around the former recycling point at the Tam O’Shanter Experience.
David Hopes, project curator of the National Trust for Scotland’s RBBM, said: “This coin has a nice connection with Burns in that it was found near the cottage where he was born and where he grew up reading stories about William Wallace who was, as well documented, a great source of inspiration for the young Bard. The coin bears the head of Edward 1, known as Hammer of the Scots, who was repelled by Wallace.
“It will go on display when the new museum opens next summer.”
Since work began on-site in May, a number of interesting artefacts have been re-discovered, including, most recently, an intricate hand-painted portrait of Robert’s son James Glencairn Burns and a letter from General Giuseppe Garibaldi detailing his admiration for the Bard.
All of these items will be displayed in the new museum. The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will house more than 5000 items and be the most important Burns collection in the world.
David Hopes, project curator of the National Trust for Scotland’s RBBM, said: “This coin has a nice connection with Burns in that it was found near the cottage where he was born and where he grew up reading stories about William Wallace who was, as well documented, a great source of inspiration for the young Bard. The coin bears the head of Edward 1, known as Hammer of the Scots, who was repelled by Wallace.
“It will go on display when the new museum opens next summer.”
Since work began on-site in May, a number of interesting artefacts have been re-discovered, including, most recently, an intricate hand-painted portrait of Robert’s son James Glencairn Burns and a letter from General Giuseppe Garibaldi detailing his admiration for the Bard.
All of these items will be displayed in the new museum. The new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum will house more than 5000 items and be the most important Burns collection in the world.
Image by: wikipedia
Robert Burns also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland's favourite son, the Ploughman Poet, the Bard of Ayrshire and in Scotland as simply The Bard was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide. He is the best known of the poets who have written in the Scots language, although much of his writing is also in English and a "light" Scots dialect, accessible to an audience beyond Scotland. He also wrote in standard English, and in these pieces, his political or civil commentary is often at its most blunt.
Source: ayrshirepost.net
Source: ayrshirepost.net
