Describing Edward I, The Hammer Of The Scots, And Prince Philip

Today's question is a challenging one, requiring a dive into historical memory. The individual in question is also known as "The Hammer of the Scots." For those who may be unsure, it is not Paul Gascoigne, despite his notable achievement during the 1996 European Championship at Wembley. To narrow down the answer, one must look back in time approximately 800 years and consider a person of high social standing.

This individual was a veteran of both England's Barons' War and the Crusades. As he traveled to quell a Welsh rebellion, he stopped in Worcester, where he collected troops led by Bishop Godfrey Giffard, the then-Bishop of Worcester. During this visit, he likely stayed at Hartlebury Castle, the residence of the Bishop of Worcester at the time.

It's possible that he also paused to visit the shrine of St Wulfstan at Worcester Cathedral... which was dedicated 70 years earlier. This information comes from Worcester's History and Heritage Calendar. Regarding Worcester's May anniversaries, we find: On May 10, 1999, Prince Philip attended Worcestershire County Cricket Club's centenary celebrations, honoring a one-day game against the Australian team, "who were preparing for the Cricket World Cup." The club was celebrating its 100th year in both the New Road ground and the County Championship.

Prince Philip planted a ceremonial Silver Birch tree, "and after enjoying the game.".. he almost missed a scheduled speech in London due to his enthusiasm for the match.

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In The News:

RIGHT – question for today. Drill deep into your memory bank because here it comes and no sniggering at the back of the room.

Supplementary clue – he was also known as The Hammer of the Scots. And it's not Paul Gascoigne either despite that utterly brilliant goal during Euro 96 at Wembley. Cut the field down a bit? Probably not enough because you need to go back 800 years and raise the social bar a fair way.

He was also a veteran of the England's Barons' War and the Crusades and it was in this war-like mode he passed through Worcester, stopping off to collect the Men at Arms martialed by the then-Bishop of Worcester Godfrey Giffard on his way to put down a Welsh rebellion.

While we know Edward stayed at Hartlebury Castle, the then-home of the Bishop of Worcester, he would have certainly stopped in Worcester, potentially even pausing to visit the shrine of St Wulfstan at Worcester Cathedral which had been dedicated only 70 years earlier.

This interesting little snippet comes courtesy of Worcester's History and Heritage Calendar and here are a few more happenings in May over the centuries.

May 10, 1999: Prince Philip was guest of honour at Worcestershire County Cricket Club's centenary celebrations for a one-day game against the Australians who were warming up before the Cricket World Cup. The club was celebrating its 100th year, both at the New Road ground and in the County Championship. Hosted by club secretary Mike Vockins, the Prince planted a ceremonial Silver Birch tree and stayed to watch the match. In fashion befitting the Prince, he enjoyed the game so much he was almost late for a speech he was due to give back in London.

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