Royalty in Disguise
--
James the Fifth, of
Scotland, when travelling
incognita, generally assumed the title of the "Gudeman of the Ballangeich," from a steep path leading to the town of
Sterling, on the
Northwest side of the castle, which still bears the name.
Gudeman was usually applied to a class of small proprietors who held, not from the crown, but from a vassal.
Scott, in his notes to the "
Lady of the Lake," relates the following:
‘
An adventure which had nearly cost the monarch his life, is said to have taken place at the village of Cramond, near
Edinburgh, where he had rendered his addresses acceptable to a pretty girl of the lower rank.
Four or five persons, whether relations or lovers of his mistress is uncertain, beset the disguised monarch as he returned from his rendezvous.
Naturally gallant, and an admirable master of his weapon, the king took post on the high and narrow bridge over the
Almond river, and defended himself bravely with his sword.
A peasant, who was threshing in a neighboring barn, hearing the noise, came out and, whether moved by compassion or natural gallantry, took the weaker side, and laid about with his flail so effectually as to disperse his assailants, well thrashed, even to the latter.
He then conducted the
King to his barn; where his guest requested a basin and towel to remove the stains of the broil.
This being procured with difficulty,
James employed himself in learning what was the summit of his deliverer's early wishes, and found that they were bounded by the desire of possessing in property the farm of Brachead, upon which he labored as a bondsman.
The lands chanced to belong to the Crown, and James directed him to come to the Palace of Holyrood and inquire for the "Gudeman of Ballangeich" He presented himself accordingly, and found with due astonishment, that he had saved his monarch's life, and that he was to be gratified with a crown charter of the lands of Brachead, under the service of presenting a sewer, basin and towel for the king to wash his hands, when he should happen to pass the bridge of Cramond.
The
Howlesons of Brachead, whose representatives still possess the property, hold it upon the tenure represented, and this service was performed by
W. Howleson Crawford, younger son of Brachead, when George IV.
visited
Scotland in 1822
’
