Alexander Pilche
Alexander Pilche was a 13th century Scottish burgess. He joined with Andrew de Moray during the 1297 uprising in northern Scotland against the administration and overlordship of King Edward I of England.
Alexander a burgess of Inverness, led a force joining Andrew de Moray at Avoch Castle. Alexander became de Moray's trusted lieutenant. Alexander and de Moray ambushed Sir William fitz Warin who was returning to Urquhart Castle accompanied his rentinue, after meeting with Sir Reginald le Chen ordered at Inverness Castle on 25 May 1297. The ambush was set a few miles to the south of Inverness. William fitz Warin was able to escape, with the loss of a number of men and horses to Urquhart Castle. The next day, Sir William awoke to find his castle besieged by de Moray and Alexander, who demanded its surrender. Euphemia, the Countess of Ross unexpectedly arrived on the scene with her retinue. The countess, whose husband was held by King Edward in the Tower of London,[1] advised de Moray and Alexander to surrender. Although her advice was ignored, she did not move against Moray and Alexander, her actions were later commended to the king by Sir William. Moray, with no heavy siege equipment available to him, tried to take the castle in a night attack, resulting in the death of fitz Warin's son Robert, and having failed, was forced to abandon the siege.[2]
Citations
Bibliography
- Stirling Bridge and Falkirk, 1297-98: William Wallace's rebellion, Armstrong P & McBride A. Osprey 2003.