Hugh de Cressingham

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (February 2007) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Hugh de Cressingham (d. September 11, 1297) was the treasurer of the English administration in Scotland during 1296-97. He was not well liked by the Scots nor the English. He was an advisor to the Earl of Surrey at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. He suggested a full scale attack across the bridge, which cost the English the battle and led to his own demise.

According to legend, his body was flayed by the Scots as he had flayed Scotland, and William Wallace made a sword belt out of his skin. The Lanercost Chronicle states the Scots dried and cured his hide and:

“

of his skin William Wallace caused a broad strip to be taken from the head to the heel, to make therewith a baldrick for his sword.

”

The Scalacronica merely states that:

“

the Scots caused him to be flayed, and in token of their hatred made thongs of his skin.

”

Walter of Hemingburgh recorded:

“

The Scots flayed him and divided his skin among themselves in moderate-sized pieces, certainly not as relics, but for hatred of him.

”