John de Strivelyn might not ring a bell to the average person, but rest assured, he’s a character that would stand out in any history lesson worth its salt. Buckle up to learn about this intriguing figure whose deeds make today’s bureaucrats look like they’re snoozing at their desks. Born a Scot with an unusual knack for fighting the English and then fighting for them, he’s probably turning in his grave over today’s political confusions. The man with a Scottish heart became a knight for the English, making his life story a blend of daring choices and historical whirlwind. You know how we conservatives celebrate strength and valor? Well, meet John de Strivelyn, who embodied all that when he played the wavering game of allegiance during medieval times.
Before you ask, was this guy a Benedict Arnold? Far from it. John came into this muddled world around the late 1200s, and what he did was adapt. Now, there's no need to get all ruffled like the liberals might when they spot a picture of Winston Churchill on their Twitter feed. Strivelyn was born in Strivelyn (present-day Stirling), in a time when Scotland was embroiled in constant territorial disputes. As he grew into his armor, he decided not to sit around waiting for the world to give him a break. Instead, he carved out a role for himself amidst the rabble of Scottish rebellion against English overlords.
The first highlight in John de Strivelyn's life came during the Wars of Scottish Independence. While everyone was busy picking sides, this fellow knew that being caught up in merely one doesn’t necessarily pay off. The English saw something in him and decided to knight him. And who wouldn’t love some shiny gear and the chance to earn even shinier coin? He served under Edward II of England, fighting against Scot rebels. Not exactly the route history textbooks tell you to travel if you're a patriotic Scot, but it was one that he traveled nonetheless, earning striking victories in battles that made both sides respect him.
That's right, he placed political pragmatism over unyielding, blind allegiance. Can you imagine if more people today took a lesson from that instead of wrapping themselves in dogma? While the fashion today is to paint him as a traitor, the real truth is he was a thinking man. He realized that sometimes, the best way to protect what you love is from a different angle.
John de Strivelyn was not just about lounging in a castle counting his gold. With his newly-given allegiance, John partook in several campaigns against the same Scottish rebels who once might’ve called him kin. These bold moves did not come without honor. He was indeed a knight, and a purposeful one at that. You won’t find him on the sidelines or hear hushed stories about his indecision. Let that sink in next time you face down a complex decision, perhaps echoing good old Strivelyn’s hearty version of pragmatism.
Forget Netflix. Real history buffs should replay events like the Battle of Dupplin Moor. In 1332, this was where John proved his mettle against the forces of the Scottish loyalists, marking a significant maelstrom in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Where most would have faltered, he stood firm and fought vigorously for a cause that, even if not entirely his own by birthplace, proved to be his own by choice and duty.
For his services, John was awarded lands and titles. Here he was, riding the resolute English wave, obtaining the manor of Little Easton in Essex from Edward III. It was an acknowledgment, a reward for hard work and yes, clever choices. Even the most liberal critique of history would have a hard time skewing John de Strivelyn’s accomplishments. The man was awarded, and he deserved every bit of it.
Sometimes, history rewards those who take roads less traveled. That’s what John de Strivelyn’s life story reminds us. People could learn a thing or two from his undeterred powerplays. He played the game well enough to leave his mark, while others bickered and followed stagnant ideologies. He was a man of mind over emotion, probably eyeing those emotional decoy villains and laughing from the corridors of his victories.
John’s life was painted with versatile decisions, and once his dance with English allegiances was done, his story becomes as obscure as it is fascinating. You won’t find banners or slogans about him today, and that’s a shame. His tale is complex, a dabble in shades of gray in an era painted in stark black and white.
Admire or criticize, John de Strivelyn was not a simple shade from history’s past but a testament to a life lived by choices, honor, and cunning. He was rightfully rewarded for understanding the depths of realpolitik way before that was just a term journalists touted on the Sunday morning talk shows.