Melrose (Abbey) Heart of Bruce

Melrose Abbey - heart and crown symbolising Bruce's heart

Archie, KCT, and a friend  Alex, visited us this afternoon.

One event recently was the discovery of an exciting
memorial of the Heart of Bruce at Melrose Abbey.

^{In the manner of the BBC Antique Roadshow, Archie, in a Melrose shop,
found a wrought moulded commemoration of Robert Bruce's heart.} 

^{He is an enthusiast for the like of this antique.} 

^{He aimed to get back to purchase it only it was already bought - so disappointed!}

^{Before Christmas, a package was delivered at home for his wife.} 

^{To their amazement the object was the 'sculpture' of Heart of Bruce.} 

^{It was an even more surprising Christmas gift - it was won by Joan in a Raffle.}

^{The photographs show the size of the model. It is already used in cermonial events of the Knights.}

The Knights Templars of the Preceptory and Priory of St. Bernard De Clairvaux prepare to celebrate the Feast of Pentcost, Sunday 7th. May. at Nunraw

^{Local school history fills out the details regarding the motto of the Bruce's rallying cry, 'DOE OR DIE'.} 

Table-top dimensions of Robert Bruce's memorial.

The Kelso High School - School Badge
www.kelso.scotborders.sch.uk » Information
The Kelso High School badge was adopted when the school was opened and is based on the Coat of Arms of Douglas of Springwood, an estate just across the River Tweed from Kelso.
The leader of the Scots, King Robert the Bruce, having successfully gained Scottish independence from England, was keen to go on the crusades to the Holy Land. However, ill health prevented this and he died in 1329. He made his close ally, Sir James Douglas, promise to take his heart to the Holy Land after his death.

After he died, Bruce's heart was wrapped in lead and placed in a silver casket. Douglas, together with some followers, set off to fight in the crusades. They landed at Seville in Spain and joined the fighting there. Douglas was killed in battle at Zebas de Ardales on 25th March 1330. His body and Bruce's heart were brought back to Scotland and Bruce's heart was buried at Melrose Abbey.
In recognition of this deed, the Douglas' were awarded the Coat of Arms with the heart and crown symbolising Bruce's heart. The motto 'Doe or Die' commemorate Bruce's rallying cry to his troops "let us do or die" before the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and immortalised by Robert Burns in his famous song Scots Wa' Hae. The badge was adopted by Kelso High School when it was founded.