As part of the ongoing commemoration of the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk, there will be a small display entitled "The Graves of the Heroes" in Falkirk Tourist Information Centre from Tuesday 23rd February.

In the aftermath of William Wallace's defeat by King Edward I at the battle
the bodies of two Scottish knights, Sir John de Graeme of Dundaff and Sir John Stewart of Bonkle, were interred in Falkirk Churchyard. Over the centuries the churchyard became a place pilgrimage, especially after the publication of Blind Harry's "The Wallace" in the 16th Century, which described Sir John de Graeme as Wallace's closest and dearest friend. Stewart lies under what appears to be the original 13th Century stone, while Sir John de Graemes grave has been much modified over the years with the addition of an effigy and a series of ornate, engrave stones. One of the inscriptions reads :
Here lyse Sir John the Graeme, baith wight and wise, Ane of the chiefs who saved Scotland thrise, Ane better knight not to the world was lent Nor was gude Graeme of truth and hardiment.
Another, Latin, inscription translates as:

Of mind and courage stout Wallaces true Achates, Here lies Sir John the Graeme
Felled by the English baties [dogs]

In the 1860's a replica of Sir John de Graemes sword was manufactured by Falkirk Iron Company and mounted on the uppermost stone of his grave and the whole tomb surrounded by an iron cupola. This sword has been broken for many years, probably since the last century, and the Battle of Falkirk Working Group have commissioned a replacement. It will be fitted to the gravestone later this year, but in the meantime it will form the centre of the new display. The sword is based on photographs and drawings of the original, held by the Auchterarder lodge of Freemasons in Perthshire. Falkirk Tourist Information Centre can be found in the towns Glebe Street, only a short walk from the churchyard.
I wish to thank Mr. John Walker of the Battle of Falkirk working group for providing the photograph and text for this page.