Following on from a sun-filled week of Lanimer celebrations Lanark will be turning the clock back for another fun day this weekend.
A fantastic day of medieval activities is being held to coincide with the official opening of Wallace House, an outdoor exhibition about William Wallace and his role in Lanark’s past.
The free event takes place on Saturday, June 17, and highlights include the chance to travel back in time and fight a knight and meet Wallace himself.
There’s also the opportunity to see the ancient skills of blacksmithing and arrow making, an armoury and weapons display, as well as medieval costumes, calligraphy and medicines.
Children can have their faces painted and there will be a host of other activities for them to participate in.
Antonia Pompa, Business Improvement District manager, at Discover Lanark, explained: “Wallace’s influence on Lanark is a mix of historical fact and local legend. We do know he first drew his sword here and killed the English sheriff Hazelrig, and that he burned Lanark Castle to the ground before fleeing towards the Clyde where followers started flocking to his cause.
"There’s also the local legend that he fell in love with Marion Braidfute and married her and was murdered by Hazelrig, and that’s why he killed him and set fire to the castle. But the evidence for that is pretty scarce.
“You can come along on the day and there’s a whole lot of activities on, and equipment will be provided. You can try your hand at fighting a knight, and you can meet Wallace. It should be a good fun, family day out and you can get the chance to see the Wallace House space that we’ve been creating, and the giant Wallace mural that’s been painted by Glasgow artist Rogue One.”
The stunning artwork by artist Rogue One (Bobby McNamara) is located in Castlegate, which is reputedly the area where the former town house of the Braidfute family was situated, which Wallace married into in 1297 - according to legend.
The fun family day starts at 11am and runs until 3pm.
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
