Sir James Rose and Matilda - Scotland’s Romeo and Juliet

The story of Sir James the Rose is one of love, honour, and tragedy, reminiscent of many age-old tales where love leads to death, similar to Romeo and Juliet. The similarities between the two stories are striking: both are centred on forbidden love, family rivalry, duels, and a heart wrenching ending where lovers join each other in death.

The story starts with Sir James the Rose, a celebrated knight from the Parish of Crimmond, known far and wide for his exceptional skills on the battlefield and strategic brilliance. His reputation was impeccable until he fell in love. Sir James fell deeply in love with a young woman named Matilda, the daughter of the Thane of Buchan, a relationship that was doomed from the start.

Much like Juliet in Shakespeare’s play, Matilda’s life had already been decided for her. Her hand was promised to another Sir John the Graham. The Thane of Buchan had arranged this match for his daughter and had no intention of allowing her to marry for love. In this way, Matilda mirrors Juliet, who was also promised to another suitor, Paris, though her heart belonged to Romeo.

Despite the barriers, Sir James and Matilda's love blossomed in secret. They would meet by the sauchen tree on the shores of Loch Strathbeg, a place that became their haven away from the prying eyes of the world. These clandestine meetings recall the secret encounters between Romeo and Juliet, where love existed only in the shadows, shielded from the forces that sought to keep them apart.

However, like all secrets, theirs could not be kept forever. Gossip about their forbidden relationship began to circulate, eventually reaching the ears of Donald the Graham, the brother of Matilda's intended husband. Donald, eager to earn favour, seized the opportunity to catch Sir James and Matilda together. His plan was simple: if he could prove the illicit relationship, the reward would be great.

This led to a duel by the shores of Loch Strathbeg, a moment of conflict that echoes the deadly duel between Romeo and Tybalt. Just as Romeo is forced to confront Tybalt to defend his honour, Sir James faces Donald to protect his love for Matilda. In both cases, the consequences are fatal. Sir James, emerges victorious in the duel, striking down Donald, but this victory comes at a cost. The death sets off a chain of events that leads to both lovers dying.

With Donald slain, Sir James knew he was in danger. Matilda, ever resourceful, instructed her lover to hide in the Mill of Haddo while she sent a letter to his brother, who was far away on the Isle of Skye. Unfortunately, fate, as it often does in such stories, had other plans. The letter was intercepted before it could reach its destination, leaving Sir James vulnerable and exposed.

Sir John the Graham, the man Matilda was meant to marry, seized his chance. He led his troops to surround the Mill of Haddo, distracting Sir James. Sir John approached the knight from behind and stabbed him in the back. However, Sir James, even in his final moments, fought back. With one last effort, he swung his sword, fatally wounding his attacker.

The scene that followed is one of the most heart-breaking in the tale, much like the ending of Romeo and Juliet. Matilda, upon hearing the news of Sir James's death, rushed to the Mill, only to find her lover's lifeless body. In that moment, much like Juliet discovering Romeo's death, Matilda’s grief consumed her. She took Sir James’s sword in her hands and chose to join him in death, plunging the blade into her own heart.

The tragic end of Sir James and Matilda is a mirror image of Romeo and Juliet’s fateful conclusion. Both couples, driven by love, find themselves trapped in a world where the forces around them whether family expectations or societal rules make it impossible for them to be together in life.