Discussion Board > Ever think about life in the 14th century?
Movie portrayals of living conditions are more for effect than for historical accuracy. That said, conditions in the 14th century were not as primitive as movie-makers would have us think. While modernity has certainly made our lives easier, I often wonder at what cost. As rare an individual as he was in his day for his integrity and loyalty, the Good Sir James provides an even sharper contrast today. The world would be a much finer place to live, if there were more people with the same level of moral fortitude as Sir James. It is good to know we have such a role model in our heritage.
hweha
I would agree that times in the 14th century could be quite trying for people who were beholden to their lords
and king, they lived in quite humble abodes and struggled with daily task like we all do today. There is a lesson
here to learn from our ancestor Sir James The Good Douglas. Love of country, Love of his home (Douglasdale)
love of his followers as is proven by how many men from the area he controlled rode and fought with him against overwhelming odds. And love of his King. To pack up and leave and travel to the Holy Land took almost 2 years to plan and finance, many Knights and pages and followers left for the Holy Land to take Bruce's heart to Jerusalem where as we all know he stopped on crusade to fight the moors and was killed in battle. His life was a life of constant battle in the fight to free Scotland and is a lesson for all of us to follow, never give up, be relentless and love your family and friends and be humble about the tasks you perform. That is how a true Knight of the 14th century lived his life
Mark Peterson
Did you ever think about what it was like to live in the 13 hundreds? We've all seen the movies about how the nobles lived back then ( Braveheart, Rob Roy, The Tudors, etc. ). But what must it have it really been like? Take Good Sir James for instance. Our Hero spent the vast majority of his life in the saddle fighting, running, hiding, raiding, and doing what ever it took to further the cause of Scotland. Not what you'd think the life of a Scottish lord would be like. It's not your birth, but rather what you do that makes you noble.
Look at the whole affair of the heart.In 1330 Sir James was sent with the king's heart to the holy land. In the 13 hundreds the preservation of organs was pretty much nonexistent. Nor was there any thing resembling rapid transit. The trip would be long and grueling. no matter how well the heart was prepared, the inevitable smell of decomposition would make for a fragrant trip for the bearer. Truly a noble endeavor.
We should keep thi in mind when we think of the burdens of our every day lives.
What are your thoughts?