By Lynne Stewart

HISTORY WAS brought to life on Saturday in a colourful re-enactment of events that led to the founding of Arbroath Abbey.

The event was declared a resounding success by organisers the Knights of Monymusk, who were joined by St Thomas Drama Club, Ayr-based Swords of Dalriada and Medieval Methil.

In all, around 70 adults and children played a part in bringing a largely forgotten period of Scottish history back to life.

The brutal murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket, played by Louis Benson, began the story, which was followed by a dramatic battle scene, culminating in the capture of Scotland’s King William the Lion, played by Don Downie.

The signing of the Treaty of Falaise, which saw Scotland temporarily surrender her sovereignty to England, and the funeral procession of King William, who is buried in the abbey he founded and dedicated to his confidant Archbishop Becket, were also shown. Each scene was introduced by narrator Mark Masson, who also directed the play.

Organisers were delighted with audience figures, and Historic Scotland staff reported that over 450 people watched the event, many of whom also enjoyed a guided tour of the monument.

Despite the story about the murder of Thomas Becket having been relayed in numerous books, plays and even films, the group believes the story has never been told before within the context of Arbroath’s history.

This year marks the 830th anni-versary of one of the most important events in Scottish history, which resulted in the founding of the abbey, and the group decided that the local link should be exposed.

Speaking for the Knights of Monymusk, Jim Millar, who wrote the script, said, “It has taken a lot of hard work to put this together, but the result was more than worth it.

“The event was only possible with the invaluable contribution of other groups and we are fortunate that we enjoy a really good relationship with such high quality re-enactors and drama club members.

“A £300 grant from Angus Council allowed us to buy authentic materials for costumes such as the monks habits, which really added to the atmosphere of the event.

“Looking to the future, we have already been asked to look at doing a bigger version of this next year, and we are going to look at the feasibility of it.”