Prophecies of Thomas Rymer (2)/Chapter 1

A

SHORT ACCOUNT

OF

Sir THOMAS LEARMANT,

ALLIAS RYMER.

 

 

SIR Thomas Learmant commonly called, Thomas Rymer, was born in the east corner of Fife, of a good family. His Prophesies have been more credited than any that were ever recorded in the Scots Chronicle, as they have been well attested, what of them is past, and what they allude to, in this present century and period, and of his dark sayings yet to come.

He told many mystical prophesies anent all the kings of Europe, and what fell out according to his prediction, in this ancient kingdom of Scotland; what is past, present and to come.

This brief account is taken from the Records of Cryle, near which place he was born and brought up.

His father was said to be Laird of Balcomie; and the Records of that family is extant in the Rolls, for their assisting at several Councils for the honour of Scotland. And Sir Thomas Rymer's Prophesies and sayings are still held in esteem.

He lived in the reign of Alexander III. King of Scotland, in the year One thousand, two hundred and forty-eight, much regarded, and knighted by that king that same year.

The first of his prophesies ever taken to be faithfully observed, was, That there should be a storm on a certain day, that would surprise all Scotland. Now, some gentlemen being with him that day, they began to joke him, and said, Sir Thomas, you are now mistaken, and we shall stay and see your mistake, as we have heard so much of your prophesies. He told them to stay an hour longer, and they would see and believe. And in less time than the hour, an express arrived to Sir Thomas from Edinburgh, of the death of Margaret, Queen to Alexander III. who died that day. Upon receiving the news, Sir Thomas told them that this was the storm, and it would give rise to greater commotions in Scotland.

After the death of Queen Margaret, the king married Isobel, daughter to the Earl of Driux; and Sir Thomas told within a few months of an earthquake at Kinghorn, that would make Scotland tremble. An express accordingly came to Cryle to Sir Thomas, that the King had fallen from his horse at Kinghorn and broke his neck, which happened accordingly. After the death of Alexander, he left no heirs, except a grandchild, Margaret, daughter to the King of Norway, who also soon died; but a short time before her death, she was betrothed to Edward, King of England. After this there was great commotions anent the succession to the crown of Scotland, which occasioned great bloodshed, particularly betwixt Bruce and Baliol, which you have recorded in the Scottish Histories.

The pride of Spain, and the deceitful conduct of the French, as also concerning the Dutch, is all foretold:—Likewise the Scots battles, at Torwood, Bothwelbridge, Malplackie, Killakrankie, Shirreff-muir, Proud Preston, near Gladsmuir, Falkirk, Culloden, and the Camps in Moraythire, and on the Windmill-brae at Aberdeen, by General Coup, and at Dunbar,

In Forty-five, eighty-two and three,
Sir Thomas Works doth certifie.

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