Robert the Bruce's Rivals: The Comyns, 1212-1314This volume aims to critically examine the bad reputation gained by the Comyns in post-Bruce Scotland. The name "Comyn" has long been associated in Scottish tradition with treachery: the family were involved in the infamous kidnapping of the young Alexaner III in 1257, were accused of treachery against William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, and of betraying Robert Bruce to Edward I of England 1306. This reappraisal of the Comyns' role concludes that the period 1212 to 1314 should be regarded as the "Comyn century" in Scottish history. The book highlights the Comyns' role as pillars of the Scottish monarchy and leaders of the political community of the realm in this formative century. The family's interests and influence extended into every corner of Scotland and their castles controlled key lines of communication, especially in Northern Scotland. It is against this background that Bruce's political ambitions in Scotland and Edward I's attempts to influence Scottish affairs in the late-13th century are set.Comyn dominance of the Scottish political scene adds a new twist to the murder of John Comyn by Robert Bruce in the Greyfriars' Church at Dumfries in 1306, and to the impact of the Battle of Bannockburn (1314) on the power struggle within Scotland. This study of the Comyns intends to help establish the strength of opposition to Robert Bruce at the end of the 13th century. A non-Bruce view of the 13th-century Scottish history.The issue of power politics within Scotland, and between England and Scotland, is a constant central theme. |
Contents
The Foundation for the Comyn Century | 14 |
Comyns Bissets Durwards | 34 |
A Responsible Aristocratic Governing | 66 |
Copyright | |
4 other sections not shown
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
Aberdeen Alan Durward Alexander Comyn earl Alexander III alliance Anglo-Scottish Relations baronial bishop Bissets Bower Watt Carrick charters Chron Chronicle Comyn castle Comyn family Comyn government Comyn of Badenoch Comyn of Buchan Comyn party Comyn power death Docs Documents Dunbar Duncan Earl Alexander earl of Buchan earl of Mar Earl Walter Earldom of Buchan Edinburgh Edward I's English king Fordun G.W.S. Barrow Galloway Guardians heir Ibid Inverlochy John Balliol John Comyn John Comyn earl John de Soules justiciar of Scotia King John king's kingship Kirkintilloch lands Lanercost leaders lord lord of Badenoch lordship Macdougalls magnates marriage Menteith military minority of Alexander Moray nobility northern Scotland overlordship parliament realm of Scotland Richard Cumin Robert Bruce role royal Scot Scottish affairs Scottish government Scottish king Scottish kingdom Scottish political community sheriff sheriffdom south-west St Andrews thirteenth century throne Treaty of Birgham Umphraville Walter Comyn William Comyn William earl William Wallace