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In May 1390 during
a truce in the long running state of war between Scotland and
England, Sir David de Lindsay and the English baron, John de Welles,
kept a pledge to
joust a l'outrance,
to the death, with pointed and edged weapons. Other Scots and
English knights participated in the tournament held on London Bridge
before King Richard II and his court. Lindsay, later first Earl
Crawford, is shown in this interpretation at the point he unhorsed
de Welles. They then fought on foot, and again de Lindsay prevailed.
With Lord de WelIes' life on the point of the Scot's dagger and the
English king having declined to intervene to spare him, the
chivalious Sir David relented and helped the Englishman to his feet
rather than slay him. The Scots carried the day and were presented
with rich gifts by the English king. It was a medieval version of
Twickenham. |
