Simon Fraser (d. 1306)
Quick Facts
Biography
Sir Simon Fraser of Oliver and Neidpath was a Scottish knight who fought in the Wars of Scottish Independence, for which he was hung, drawn and quartered in 1306.
Life
Simon Fraser was the son of Simon Fraser (d.1291) and Maria
For a time he fought alongside Andrew Moray, and after that man's death, William Wallace. Simon was captured during the Battle of Dunbar on 27 April 1296 and was sent to a prison in England. He was forfeited of his lands. He was released to serve King Edward I of England's expedition in Flanders in 1297. On 27 March 1299 he was restored his lands and titles. He was the Keeper of Selkirk Forest. He was at the Siege of Carlaverock on the side of the English in 1300.
He switched to the Scottish side in 1301 and led the Scottish victory at the Battle of Roslin in 1303, alongside John III Comyn, Lord of Badenoch (also known as "Red Comyn"). Consequently, the English King Edward I, marched north through Stirling taking Perth. As Edward approached Dunfermline, the Bishop of St Andrews and the bishop of Glasgow along with Red Comyn met his army and submitted. Simon refused to swear fealty to the English King and did not attend.
In 1304, Fraser fought with William Wallace at Happrew and was defeated.
Later Fraser fought for King Robert I of Scotland. He escaped from the King's defeat at the Battle of Methven, but was captured in 1306 at a subsequent engagement at Kirkencliff near Stirling by Sir Thomas de Multon and Sir John Jose. Fraser was sent to London, and hanged, drawn, and quartered in September 1306. His head was impaled on a spike on London Bridge, as were those of his brother, John Fraser, and William Wallace.
Family
Simon is known to have had the following issue:
- Margaret Fraser, married Sir Gilbert Haya of Lochorwart.
- Joan Fraser, married Sir Patrick Fleming of Biggar.