Burgh Marsh

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Burgh marsh (pronounced ‘Bruff’) is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a desolate monument stands on the spot where an English King died on his way to do battle with the Scots.

There is also an impressive bronze statue in memory of King Edward the First – also known as ‘Longshanks’ and ‘The Hammer of the Scots’ – at the edge of the Burgh-by-Sands village green by the Greyhound Inn.

Longshanks was heading North over the border to wage another campaign against his old adversary Robert the Bruce in July 1307 when he took ill and died on the barren salt marsh. Not like Braveheart at all. Edward was laid in state after his death in the fortified local church of St. Michael’s.

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