In March 1306 the Scots had been without a king for nearly ten years. King John 'Toom Tabard' Balliol had abdicated his throne in July 1296 after his defeat and capture by Edward I of England.
William Wallace and Andrew de Moray had both fought and died to try and win back Scottish independence. Robert Bruce and John Comyn took up the cause, but bitter in-fighting took up their time rather than any attacks on the English.
Matters came to a head in February 1306 in Dumfries when Bruce stabbed Comyn to death in Greyfriars Church.
Without another claimant to the throne Bruce hurridly arranged his coronation. He was crowned King of Scots at Scone in Perthshire on 25th March 1306. He knew Edward would never accept his legitamacy so as soon as he was crowned he re-newed the offensive against the English which had died with Wallace in August 1305.
William Wallace and Andrew de Moray had both fought and died to try and win back Scottish independence. Robert Bruce and John Comyn took up the cause, but bitter in-fighting took up their time rather than any attacks on the English.
Matters came to a head in February 1306 in Dumfries when Bruce stabbed Comyn to death in Greyfriars Church.
Without another claimant to the throne Bruce hurridly arranged his coronation. He was crowned King of Scots at Scone in Perthshire on 25th March 1306. He knew Edward would never accept his legitamacy so as soon as he was crowned he re-newed the offensive against the English which had died with Wallace in August 1305.
The war for Scottish independence now entered a new phase, 705 years ago today.
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