WITH talk of devolution moved from centre stage for the time being, proving even Alex Salmond can’t always swim against the tide, the citizens of York within our fiefdom, can once again raise the portcullis, Braveheart though he may be.
However, as a reminder that Yorkshire has been faced with many invaders in historical terms, may I take this opportunity to relate one such incident during the 12th century.
The chronicles describe how King David of Scotland, persuaded of English decay, crossed the border and laid claim to Northumbria.
This prompted the Archbishop of York to advance against him with the support of the mass of northern counties, displaying the standards of St Peter of York, St John of Beverley and St Wilfred of Ripon.
They engaged in a murderous battle at Northallerton, repulsing and slaughtering the invaders. this was henceforward known as “the Battle of the Standard”.
Even to this day it seems politics and religion are inseparable.
Kenneth Bowker, Vesper Walk, Huntington, York.
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