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Murder of Comyn 1306

Explore the events leading up to the murder of John 'The Red' Comyn by Robert Bruce in 1306, and the repercussions it had on Scottish politics and Bruce's fight for the throne.

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Murder of Comyn 1306

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  1. Murder of Comyn 1306 Background • 1306 talk of Balliol returning as King • Reduced Bruce’s chances of becoming King • Edward I was in poor health • Upon his death Bruce planned to claim the throne • His main opposition was John ‘The Red’ Comyn

  2. Who was Comyn? • John ‘The Red’ Comyn • Leader most important noble family • Family controlled more land than Bruces • Family ran most of government in Scotland • Nephew John Balliol • Never swerved in opposition to Edward I

  3. FACT • Bruce and Comyn had been on bad terms for some time • Decided to meet to hold discussions • WHEN? • 10th February 1306 • WHERE? • High alter at Greyfriars Kirk, Dumfries • WHY? • Safe place where fighting was forbidden

  4. WHAT HAPPENED? • Argument broke out • Bruce stabbed Comyn with his dagger • Confusion followed • Bruces supporters • Christopher Seton • James Kirkpatrick • John Lindsay killed Comyn and his uncle Robert WHAT WE DON’T KNOW? • What was discussed? • Was the murder planned?

  5. What really happened?Scottish Account Robert Bruce and John Comyn agreed on a date to meet together at Dumfries. There, John Comyn was accused of betrayal. Comyn claimed immediately that this was a lie, but the evil-speaker was stabbed and fatally wounded… . The wounded man was laid behind the alter by monks. When they asked him if he though he could live, his immediate answer was ‘I can’. His enemies heard this and hit him again – and thus he was taken away from this world. John of Fordun’s Chronicle

  6. What really happened?Scottish Account That Bruce drew his dagger and stabbed Comyn is certain. Rushing to the door of the church, Bruce met two powerful barons, Kirkpatrick and Lindsay, who asked him what tidings? ‘Bad tidings,’ answered Bruce, ‘I doubt I have slain Comyn.’ ‘Doubtest thou?’ said Kirkpatrick, ‘I mak sicker!’ With these words he and Lindsay rushed into the church and dispatched the wounded Comyn. The Kirkpatricks assumed, in memory of this deed, a hand holding a dagger, with the memorable words, ‘I mak sicker,’ Sir Walter Scott

  7. What really happened?English Account Robert Bruce…was frightened of John Comyn because he was a powerful man and could stop his plans. So Bruce sent two of his brothers…to see Comyn and ask him discuss ‘a certain business concerning them both’. But this was just a trick. While they were speaking together, in what appeared to be a friendly way, Bruce suddenly began to accuse Comyn of betraying him to the King of England. Comyn spoke peacefully and said he did not want to hear such talk, but it had no effect. Just as he had planned, Bruce hit him with a foot and a sword went out. Some evil folk told Bruce that John Comyn still lived and that the monks had carried him to a room beneath the altar to treat his injuries. By Bruce’s orders, Comyn was taken from that room and killed on the steps of the alter so that his blood touched it. Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough

  8. Significance of the Murder BRUCE WAS IN TROUBLE WITH…. • Church • For committing ‘sacrilege’ (murder in a holy place) • Pope – Excommunicated (being cast out of Roman Catholic Church) • Comyns • Wanted revenge • Edward I • Treason had been committed • Edward sent an army north

  9. Significance of the Murder Edward I ordered… All those who were present at the death of Sir John Comyn [are to] be drawn and hanged. And all those who agreed to it, and those who afterwards received them willingly, knowing the deed was done, to have the same judgement. And those who are or will be captured bearing arms against the King be hanged or beheaded.

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