Weapons History 101: The Scottish Broadsword
On episode 21 of Forged in Fire’s 9th season, we saw the introduction of an iconic piece of weaponry, the Scottish broadsword.
(Image credit: Swords and Armor)
Also known as the Highland broadsword, this basket-hilted, double-edged blade has a compelling history both in combat and sport. The Scottish broadsword (not to be confused with the similar Scottish backsword) featured a double-sided blade made of high carbon steel and a characteristic basket hilt around the handle.
Many variations of this sword existed in places like Medieval Switzerland, Italy, and the Netherlands. The exact origin of this design isn’t known but weapons featuring a covered handle were popular during the Middle Ages throughout Europe and as far as India.
“The Scots were renowned for their fierce defiance to the English monarchs and took pride in their military traditions.”
The broadsword itself is essentially a generalized term for a type of sword found throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. Weapons in the Middle Ages were frequently given rather generic names to describe their attributes, rather than their unique qualities. Although this weapon in particular was referred to as a “broadsword”, it was actually quite small compared to many larger two-handed swords at the time.
The Scots were renowned for their fierce defiance to the English monarchs and took pride in their military traditions. The broadsword, along with the bagpipe, was a staple of Scottish military campaigns and rebellions against the British. During the Jacobite Rebellions in the 17th and 18th centuries, Scottish Highlanders carried the broadsword into battle with devastating effect.
(Image credit: David Morier)
When met on the battlefield, Scottish clansmen would charge in organized columns, using gunfire and the deafening sound of bagpipes to disorient the British. Using the gun smoke as cover, they would hack apart the enemy infantry using the violence of sheer speed and strength.
“Considered to be essentially Scottish martial arts, mastery of the broadsword was treated like a science.”
Scottish cunning on the battlefield is deeply tied to their long tradition of fencing. Fencing was a popular sport among Scots and a staple of their rugged spirit. Dozens of manuals written by Scottish swordsmen have described the ancient art of sword combat. Written from the 1500s to the early 1800s, these combat how-to guides have served generations as tactical instruction in sword combat.
The popular texts detailed fighting stances, defensive positions, and counter measures to employ while engaged in a duel. Considered to be essentially Scottish martial arts, mastery of the broadsword was treated like a science. The objective was always to outmaneuver your opponent with tactics varying depending on the clan. The basket hilt was commonly used to deflect blows from an opponent to provide a successful counter strike.
(Image credit: Grunge)
According to legend, swordsmen such as Rob Roy McGregor were in fact outlaws who would challenge strangers to a duel, or they would demand a fee. Armed with their broadswords, these men travelled alone or in groups known as Caterans. The Caterans, or singular Catanach, became folk legends for their exploits in combat or as bodyguards for royalty.
As the English gained military superiority over the Scots, they repressed Celtic traditions and clan systems, ultimately banning the broadsword in the mid-1700s. However, the legacy of this sword would persist, and variations of its design would last until the 19th century. Cavalry soldiers in Napoleon’s army were known to use a variation of this sword in combat. To this day, the Scottish broadsword is seen as a staple of Scottish culture, their ruggedness, and military traditions.
The Scottish Broadsword is a weapon steeped in history and Scottish reverence. Make sure you tune in to Season 9 Episode 21 of Forged in Fire to watch several bladesmiths take their best shot at crafting this iconic weapon.
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