The Bruce
King Edward no doubt believed that his Scottish troubles were over with the violent liquidation of the main symbol of Scottish resistance. However, this ws not to be the case, and the continued fight for Scottish independence started with another act of violence � this time a shocking murder.
After Wallace had
resigned as Guardian of Scotland he had been replaced by the two main contenders
for the throne � Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, and John Comyn of Badenoch.
Bruce knew that Comyn, who was a nephew of the exiled King Balliol, was
an obstacle that had to be cleared from his path to the Scottish throne.
As joint Guardian Comyn had competed with Bruce for power, influence and
prestige. His pedigree was
impeccable, and he had friends, including English friends, in high places.
On 10th
February 1306 Comyn agreed to Bruce�s request for a meeting in the Franciscan
church of Greyfriars in Dumfries. Bruce
proposed that Comyn could have his lands in return for helping to restore an
independent Scottish monarchy under Bruce.
Comyn refused and Bruce stabbed him.
His followers then finished Comyn off and struck down Sir Robert Comyn
when he came forward to defend his wounded nephew.
This page created on 20th July , 2001.