King Edward 1 Monument, Burgh by Sands

King Edward 1 Monument, Burgh by Sands, Cumbria.
Erected in 1685 as a memorial to King Edward 1st of England, the 'Hammer of the Scots'. This lonely spot on the vast expanse of salt marsh of the Solway Firth is claimed to be the place Edward 1 died. Edward had invaded Scotland in 1296 and put the Scots under English rule, but he faced one rebellion after another for the next ten years. In 1306 Robert Bruce took up the cause of Scottish independence and was crowned King of Scots. Edward, now in poor health, was determined to do battle once more but was incapable of riding so was carried north to Carlisle by horse-litter. He stayed at Lanercost Priory while his armies ravaged Scotland. The following year Robert the Bruce rallied his troops for battle and Edward, determined to lead his men into battle one last time, only made it to Burgh by Sands. He died there of dysentry at the age of 68.