The Penny Puzzle

What do Robert Burns, William Wallace, Edward I “The Hammer of the Scots”, David Nelson a construction employee, David Hopes a museum curator, and the son of The Bard of Ayr, James Glencairn Burns all have in common?

A 13th Century long cross penny which was recently unearthed at an excavation site near the birthplace of  Robert Burns in Alloway, Scotland.

David Nelson found the silver coin which was minted in London and bears the head relief of Edward I. Edward Longshanks, so called for his height of 6 ft 2 in.,  was known for crushing those that opposed him. William Wallace of Scotland took him on and kept him from overtaking the country. Wallace  was a great inspiration to Burns, as to all  brave hearts everywhere. David Hopes is the curator of the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum which is to be built on the excavation site where the coin was found. The museum is scheduled to open in the Summer of 2010 and since its inception several artifacts have been rediscovered. One of these is the portrait of James Glencairn Burns, Robert’s son; the painting will be part of the museum’s permanent exhibit.

Sort of a six degrees of separation situation wouldn’t you say?

13th Century Penny Excavated