13
G
ABRIEL
T
HOMSON
1660
In 1679 Gabriel Thomson was about 19 years old and
a committed Covenanter. He joined the rebels gathered at
Hamilton prepared to defend Scottish independence with his
life. Many years after the disastrous battle Gabriel’s
grandson, Alexander Thomson, penned the story preserving
it for future generations. Dedicated and courageous, ready
to defend his country and his religious beliefs to the death,
Gabriel tied himself to the bulwark of the bridge to help form
a human barricade to end the Royalist advance. The pistols
he fired in that battle became a family heirloom that
eventually were transported to Scotland, Pennsylvania and
resided in a place of honor on the mantle of his grandson,
Alexander.
The Battle of Bothwell
Bridge was a Royalist victory. The
Covenanters were routed and 400
perished in the chase. 1200
Covenanters were taken prisoner.
943 died in prison. 197 of the
remaining 257 drowned at sea on a
convict transport to the West Indies.
Gabriel escaped capture.
Monument to the
Bothwell martyrs.