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The English capture of Berwick in 1296 was
a major blow to the Scottish economy, as Berwick was then the largest
and richest town of Scotland.
Re-establishing confidence in foreign trade became vital.
At the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September
1297, William Wallace and his northern ally, Andrew Murray, defeated
the English forces of King Edward I and brought freedom to Scotland
- for a while.
A month later, Wallace and Murray issued
this letter, informing European trading partners that Scottish ports
were open for business once again.
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Andrew Murray and William Wallace, leaders
of the army of the kingdom of Scotland and the community,
to their worthy and beloved friends, the mayors and citizens
of Lübeck and Hamburg, greeting.
We have been told by trustworthy merchants
of the kingdom of Scotland that you are giving help and favour
in all business concerning us and our merchants for which
we thank you. We ask that it be made known among your merchants
that they will now have safe access to all ports in the kingdom
of Scotland, since Scotland, blessed be God, has been rescued
from the power of the English by force of arms.
Given at Haddington in Scotland, on the
11th day of October in the year of grace one thousand two
hundred and ninety seven.
Andrew Murray and William Wallace, leaders
of the army of the kingdom of Scotland and the community,
to their worthy and beloved friends, the mayors and citizens
of Lübeck and Hamburg, greeting.
We have been told by trustworthy merchants
of the kingdom of Scotland that you are giving help and favour
in all business concerning us and our merchants for which
we thank you. We ask that it be made known among your merchants
that they will now have safe access to all ports in the kingdom
of Scotland, since Scotland, blessed be God, has been rescued
from the power of the English by force of arms.
Given at Haddington in Scotland, on the
11th day of October in the year of grace one thousand two
hundred and ninety seven.
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William Wallace's Seal
The Lübeck letter is the only original
surviving document issued by Wallace. Written in Latin, it bears
an impression of his own seal.
The seal shows the Scottish lion rampant on the
front. The back or reverse shows a bow and string with a protruding
arrow. We think the inscription reads: William, son of Alan Wallace.
Attempt an Online Activity
relating to the Lübeck letter
and the Wars of Independence
Download a Printable Activity
Go back to the story of the
Wars of Independence, part 1, 1286 - 1306
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