Debunking the Myths of Selkirk Common Riding: Fact vs. Folklore

The Legend of Fletcher: Fact or Fiction?

Central to Selkirk Common Riding is the emotional tale of Fletcher, supposedly the only survivor among 80 brave Selkirk men who fought and died at Flodden alongside King James IV in 1513. The tradition states that Fletcher returned to the town, exhausted yet victorious, holding aloft a captured English flag.

But here’s the issue: extensive examination of Selkirk’s historical parish records reveals no trace of anyone named Fletcher living in the town at that time. Equally puzzling, there’s no documented grave or memorial for Fletcher. This significant gap casts doubt on the story’s historical accuracy, suggesting Fletcher may have been a figure invented or embellished over time to inspire local pride and unity.

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The Reality of “Common Riding”

Today, Common Riding involves riders marking the town’s boundaries—a practice portrayed as a joyful, proud celebration of Selkirk’s historical rights and freedoms. Yet the truth behind these “commons” is somewhat less romantic:

Historically, common land was not an ideal arrangement for ordinary townspeople. It symbolised restrictive control by landowning elites and royal authorities. Residents had limited access to land for essential resources, such as grazing livestock and collecting firewood, often forced to rely on tightly regulated and taxed common ground. Far from something to celebrate, common lands reflected the constrained existence of ordinary people under feudal oversight.

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Standard Bearer: Heroic Figure or Disposable Scout?

A cherished moment of the festival is when the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer rides the marches of Selkirk, ceremoniously checking the safety of town boundaries. Yet historical reality was far less heroic: traditionally, this was a dangerous duty typically assigned to lower-ranking individuals, not revered figures.

In past centuries, the boundary rider’s role was straightforward yet risky: if the rider returned unharmed, all was considered safe; if he failed to return, it signaled a potential threat or enemy attack. Thus, rather than a position of honour, this was historically more of a perilous and expendable role.

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“Casting of the Colours”: Military Triumph or Market Tactic?

The climax of Common Riding, known as the “Casting of the Colours,” is popularly linked to Fletcher’s return from Flodden, proudly waving a captured English banner. But historical research points to a more mundane yet intriguing origin:

During medieval and early-modern times, Selkirk saw significant immigration from Flanders, known for its skilled weavers and traders. On market days, Flemish merchants would tie their vibrant woven cloth onto tall poles, waving them enthusiastically above the crowd to attract buyers. This practice, known as “casting their wares,” became symbolic, evolving over centuries into today’s ritual of “casting the colours.”

Thus, the ceremony likely originated as an economic ritual—not a wartime triumph.

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Why Does the Legend Persist?

If so many aspects of Selkirk Common Riding are historically questionable, why do they remain so deeply embedded in local culture? The answer lies in the power of storytelling. Legends, even those rooted more in folklore than fact, create shared identity, community pride, and tradition. They help communities bond, inspiring collective pride through emotionally powerful narratives, even if historically inaccurate.

The myths of Fletcher, heroic standard bearers, and captured flags aren’t about historical accuracy—they’re about the emotional truth of resilience, pride, and communal identity.

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Appreciating the Real Meaning of Selkirk Common Riding

Debunking myths doesn’t diminish Selkirk Common Riding’s importance; instead, it enriches our understanding. By separating myth from reality, we appreciate the festival’s deeper meanings: communal strength, economic ingenuity, and the enduring power of tradition.

So, as riders proudly circle the town’s boundaries or cast vibrant banners high into the Selkirk sky, we see beyond simple legend to a fascinating tapestry of history, struggle, resilience, and the lasting value of a good story.

After all, Selkirk Common Riding isn’t just a commemoration of history—it’s a vibrant celebration of community spirit and cultural resilience, legends and all.