This is the third of your videos that I have watched. I am immensely impressed by your dedication to truth and historical accuracy. Thank you. And you get across the magnitude of these events with your wonderfully dramatic storytelling style. Hats off to you.
@@Seekerfilms some fabulous pieces around there, Lochmaben, and Annan. It’s just a pity a lot if them have that awful heras fencing surrounding and blocking access to them, ugly stuff!
Your depth of knowledge pertaining to Scotland’s history is phenomenal and greatly appreciated. The information, given from your soul, is easily understood…I can see it happening in my mind. Thank you for driving to each place, for taking the time to walk in these areas of history, and for filming and editing. The story of Robert the Bruce comes alive through your eyes and your voice - I feel as if I’m finally understanding this part of Scotland’s history. With great respect, thank you.
@@debbieengel6357 Those words are so kind and mean more to me than you know. I thank you from the heart. It has been my boyhood passion on the trail of my heroes Bruce, Wallace, Douglas, and all the power players from England, Ireland, France, Wales, and the medieval works, of which we wouldn’t have a history if it wasn’t for them. I continue to stay on the trail and bring to people like yourself with appreciative hearts. Thank you for your support and feedback and walking in the footsteps with me.
@@robertthebruce-geniusofban647 I love history to, and all these people in this particular history I have a great respect for. There are so many major players in battles of Scottish independence. I wonder what Edward thought of the murder? I bet he was fuming pissed lol
@@carmichael3594 I think he would have been deeply disappointed. Many of the English knights would have been shocked too. They knew Bruce, in a knightly brotherhood way his action would have hurt those he was close to, spent time with, competed in tournaments with, fought with… When he took Edward’s castle of Dumfries that was a real slap in Edward’s face, he was very fond of Bruce at one point.
Thank you for this video. It is a fascinating story. I may have missed something in that if after the confrontation and murder of John Comyn they then pressed on to take Dumfries Castle would some of the party have remained behind to bury the bodies? Would they have had to take stone flags up, or would it have been a dirt floor? I am curious.
I am only guessing, but I think with the outcry in the town, the bodies were taken care of and given their due respect as noblemen by the monks at Greyfriars. the bodies were likely shown to the officials at some point afterwards. but they would have been taken care of before being interred...i guess. It's a good question and yes, a fascinating part of the insurrection history. Thank you for your feedback!
That's a great answer. Thank you. I hadn't thought about the monks at Greyfriars taking care of the slain noblemen. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight. Such an important part of Scottish history
Watching from the Curragh of Kildare ..associated with Robert Burns of coarse and place where braveheart was filmed..Excellent piece of history..Thanks so much.☘
Sir Roger de Kirkpatrick (third cousin to Bruce, first cousin to Wm Wallace) is one of my ancesters on my Dad's side. "I mak siccar" is still the family motto. I believe the present Baronet Kirkpatrick (16th or so) lives in Adelaide. Their family seat at Closeburn near Dumfries burned down in the 1700s. I'm hoping to explore the area in Sepember. Interesting video thanks!
@@revbenf6870 Hi there, thanks for the information, didn’t realise it had burned down in the 70s, interesting. Thank you for the feedback and I hope your visit fills all your expectations.
@@yandan7010 The Normans indeed!!! Thanks a lot for your feedback. It was a difficult one to do and took a bit of planning…and editing, but I got there and managed to condense it to 58m. Your feedback means a lot so thank you from the heart and supporting the channel and walking in the footsteps with me!
Thank you so much for this video on such an important topic. It took me a while to devote the time to it that it deserved. As I have commented before, I think it is so important to actually visit the places connected to historical events in order to really understand what happened, and you have done that. And you have contributed greatly to resources on this event, because in my research, I was unable to find video of the site of the killing, Dumfries Castle, and Dumfries itself. So, your video is invaluable. Thank you! I found what you said about what might remain of Greyfriars underground fascinating; and local lore, though it might be wrong in some ways, often is a valuable source not found in history books, which tend to simply repeat obvious facts without questioning them or their context. Like you, I have spent years studying Bruce, so I have some opinions on this event, and you seem interested in hearing them, so here goes. You mentioned Aymer de Valence. What a fascinating historical figure he makes. He must have been almost equal to Bruce in military and political sagacity, having survived hunting Bruce like prey in Loudoun Hill and in the hills around Glen Trool,failed, and still maintained his wealth and power. Someday I'd like to know more about him. I admit to some bias toward Bruce but I believe it is mostly based on research. This is why I tend to look upon the Comyn killing as manslaughter as opposed to murder. If my ancestry research is correct on Bruce, he originated from powerful Nordic earls of Orkney, one of whom left for Normandy. The peoples of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden had a deep regard for the rule of law. So I am doubtful of the premise that Bruce planned this killing to hopscotch his way to a kingship; especially in a holy place where he knew the price would be excommunication. I am persuaded by the argument made in Barbour's The Bruce, which explains Comyn's treachery and his passing on of Bruce's correspondence to King Edward. If these facts are true, Comyn had set
Continued from above: Comyn had set Bruce up in London and Bruce barely escaped arrest but for some quick thinking on his part. He did get the coin and spur message to leave town immediately, which he did, flying back to Lochmaben, arriving exhausted and beyond angry with Comyn. So when he confronted Comyn at Greyfriars, and Comyn lied to his face, again, Bruce lost his temper. It's important to know that Comyn himself also drew a dagger. And multiple sources say it wasn't Bruce that dealt the death blow. But Bruce, a man of honor, never questioned that he was at fault. I also doubt that Comyn had the fighting ability that Bruce did. His family wealth and power, from what I've read, came more from bureaucratic means as opposed to military might. As an aside, he neither possessed Bruce's oratory skills nor charm, and was ridiculed behind hisEdwa back. I think you are very right that King Edward admired and respected Bruce, having witnessed the same admirable qualities at court that Bruce's grandfather, Robert the Competitor had had. Edward also knew Bruce had a strong claim to the throne of Scotland by birthright alone, having seen his grandfather's legal claim. I think though that you raise some interesting questions with regard to the immediate surrounding of the English inside Dumfries Castle. Bruce later made use of trickery and camouflage in battle, whether on a field like Bannockburn or in the hills of Carrick. Could he have simply claimed he had the castle surrounded? Thanks again for your excellent video.
Thank you for your insights. I am glad you enjoyed Dumfries, a fascinating town to walk through and I had to get up and out there at 5.30am to capture the streets so quiet. Aymer de Valence is one character I’m very intrigued by and I intend to do a profile section for the channel of which he will certainly be included. If you can get a copy of JRS Phillips book on him it is invaluable. I agree with the Northern respect for law and integrity, and I see your opinion on the Comyn incident. I think many things happened along the way we are not privy to in history books that stirred the pot of the relationship until it hit a wall, and Bruce decided he had to go. Of course there would be enormous repercussions, but I think he was a man to weather that. He even defied papal views by ordering his heart cut out at his end. I’m very doubtful of Barbour’s accounts as I know he embellished and invented a ‘good story…’ on many occasions. But you must come visit!
I’m sure Edward once he got news of the episode was furious, not at Comyn’s murder, but Bruce’s move. Everything moved so quick after that, very quick, with royal regalia, coronation, and bringing together of everyone I really do suspect…whispers had begun on the play Bruce had to make, only he couldn’t allow it to stretch out any length of time. The castle is fascinating, and difficult to piece together as I believe fear of Edward I was more for a garrison in giving up a castle than it would be for insurrection. They were experienced soldiers and justiciars, Bruce I believe would have planned it. Maybe he didn’t threaten to burn it down…but had an inside man? Fascinating to let the mind wander…
I’m glad you plan to do something on de Valence. He deserves more attention than as just a survivor. I’ll look for that book! I do plan to return to Scotland one of these days and see the places I’ve studied so carefully on-line. Drone videos are so great these days, but your up-close looks are invaluable.
Well done - an interesting resume of the story of events triggering The Bruce's play for the crown of Scotland, with well chosen visuals showing the sites of the action described in the narrative.
@@fieldmarshalhaigofbemersyde Thank you for your feedback. In many cases a challenge to do with modern development in many areas, so bringing it to life in other ways is the task. I enjoyed doing this one immensely and it was an itch I had to scratch.
King Edward was truly a king not to be the on the wrong side of. When Robert the Bruce said I'm more afraid of longshanks bones than of Edward 2end alive I can see he said that with terror. As you describe what the alliance consisted of, and how ruthless Edward 1st is he would be very hard to oppose. I've often wondered if Edward had been alive in 1314 would the battle of Bannockburn turned out different? Or even happened at all since longshanks had been a battle Hardened veteran probably wouldn't have had all the disorder that his son had at Bannockburn. Just reading about Edward 1st is intimidating. You tell this tale well my friend 👍
@@carmichael3594 I am happy you enjoyed it, a complex tale it is, and also many more parts to it which I intend to cover in later episodes. Thank you for your feedback and supporting the channel in keeping our history alive!
@@carmichael3594 it’s one of those events that really gets us to dig deep with our imagination. It would have been some experience to see if the Greyfriars was still standing.
this may shock people today but life was cheap in Bruce's day, it was a power struggle between two great houses for the kingship, if this had been so bad an incident why did the bishops support bruce after this murder.
This is the third of your videos that I have watched. I am immensely impressed by your dedication to truth and historical accuracy. Thank you. And you get across the magnitude of these events with your wonderfully dramatic storytelling style. Hats off to you.
Thank you from the heart for that. I’m glad it has made impact as I strive to deliver from the heart also!
It’s all driven by passion!
Excellent video my friend, probably the best take on the story of the Comyn murder I've heard so far. Thank you. Subscribed.
Hugely grateful for your support and thanks for the feedback.
I really enjoyed making this film and had been itching to do it for a while.
Another great video demonstrating your comprehensive knowledge on the topic - well presented and a joy to watch.
Thank you very much. Thought I had replied to this.
Where does your next project take you to?
I have lots of sites that I want to do - it's just finding the time to do them!! I really want to film some of the Dumfries castles.
@@Seekerfilms some fabulous pieces around there, Lochmaben, and Annan.
It’s just a pity a lot if them have that awful heras fencing surrounding and blocking access to them, ugly stuff!
Your depth of knowledge pertaining to Scotland’s history is phenomenal and greatly appreciated. The information, given from your soul, is easily understood…I can see it happening in my mind. Thank you for driving to each place, for taking the time to walk in these areas of history, and for filming and editing. The story of Robert the Bruce comes alive through your eyes and your voice - I feel as if I’m finally understanding this part of Scotland’s history. With great respect, thank you.
@@debbieengel6357 Those words are so kind and mean more to me than you know. I thank you from the heart.
It has been my boyhood passion on the trail of my heroes Bruce, Wallace, Douglas, and all the power players from England, Ireland, France, Wales, and the medieval works, of which we wouldn’t have a history if it wasn’t for them.
I continue to stay on the trail and bring to people like yourself with appreciative hearts. Thank you for your support and feedback and walking in the footsteps with me.
Second time watching this video. It's fantastic in scenery, and the tale is captivating
@@carmichael3594 Thanks a lot brother!
@@robertthebruce-geniusofban647 I love history to, and all these people in this particular history I have a great respect for. There are so many major players in battles of Scottish independence. I wonder what Edward thought of the murder? I bet he was fuming pissed lol
@@carmichael3594 I think he would have been deeply disappointed. Many of the English knights would have been shocked too. They knew Bruce, in a knightly brotherhood way his action would have hurt those he was close to, spent time with, competed in tournaments with, fought with…
When he took Edward’s castle of Dumfries that was a real slap in Edward’s face, he was very fond of Bruce at one point.
@@robertthebruce-geniusofban647 yeah that is very true
@@carmichael3594 Yes!
Thank you for this video. It is a fascinating story. I may have missed something in that if after the confrontation and murder of John Comyn they then pressed on to take Dumfries Castle would some of the party have remained behind to bury the bodies? Would they have had to take stone flags up, or would it have been a dirt floor? I am curious.
I am only guessing, but I think with the outcry in the town, the bodies were taken care of and given their due respect as noblemen by the monks at Greyfriars. the bodies were likely shown to the officials at some point afterwards. but they would have been taken care of before being interred...i guess. It's a good question and yes, a fascinating part of the insurrection history.
Thank you for your feedback!
That's a great answer. Thank you. I hadn't thought about the monks at Greyfriars taking care of the slain noblemen. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight. Such an important part of Scottish history
@@sharonsharp4902 I’ll also likely do something rose about it in the future but in a different way and from a different angle.
I look forward to further videos. Many thanks
@@sharonsharp4902 thank you!
Watching from the Curragh of Kildare ..associated with Robert Burns of coarse and place where braveheart was filmed..Excellent piece of history..Thanks so much.☘
@@Bix21-z3f thank you my friend, I’m glad you are enjoying it!
Sir Roger de Kirkpatrick (third cousin to Bruce, first cousin to Wm Wallace) is one of my ancesters on my Dad's side. "I mak siccar" is still the family motto. I believe the present Baronet Kirkpatrick (16th or so) lives in Adelaide. Their family seat at Closeburn near Dumfries burned down in the 1700s. I'm hoping to explore the area in Sepember. Interesting video thanks!
@@revbenf6870 Hi there, thanks for the information, didn’t realise it had burned down in the 70s, interesting.
Thank you for the feedback and I hope your visit fills all your expectations.
@@robertthebruce-geniusofban647 umm that was a typo, it was actually in the 1700s and I have amended my comment...
"What have the Normans ever done for us?!"
Joking aside, I thoroughly enjoyed your video. Thank you for it and aw' the best, mate👍🏻
@@yandan7010 The Normans indeed!!!
Thanks a lot for your feedback. It was a difficult one to do and took a bit of planning…and editing, but I got there and managed to condense it to 58m.
Your feedback means a lot so thank you from the heart and supporting the channel and walking in the footsteps with me!
Thank you so much for this video on such an important topic. It took me a while to devote the time to it that it deserved.
As I have commented before, I think it is so important to actually visit the places connected to historical events in order to really understand what happened, and you have done that. And you have contributed greatly to resources on this event, because in my research, I was unable to find video of the site of the killing, Dumfries Castle, and Dumfries itself. So, your video is invaluable. Thank you!
I found what you said about what might remain of Greyfriars underground fascinating; and local lore, though it might be wrong in some ways, often is a valuable source not found in history books, which tend to simply repeat obvious facts without questioning them or their context.
Like you, I have spent years studying Bruce, so I have some opinions on this event, and you seem interested in hearing them, so here goes.
You mentioned Aymer de Valence. What a fascinating historical figure he makes. He must have been almost equal to Bruce in military and political sagacity, having survived hunting Bruce like prey in Loudoun Hill and in the hills around Glen Trool,failed, and still maintained his wealth and power. Someday I'd like to know more about him.
I admit to some bias toward Bruce but I believe it is mostly based on research. This is why I tend to look upon the Comyn killing as manslaughter as opposed to murder. If my ancestry research is correct on Bruce, he originated from powerful Nordic earls of Orkney, one of whom left for Normandy. The peoples of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden had a deep regard for the rule of law. So I am doubtful of the premise that Bruce planned this killing to hopscotch his way to a kingship; especially in a holy place where he knew the price would be excommunication.
I am persuaded by the argument made in Barbour's The Bruce, which explains Comyn's treachery and his passing on of Bruce's correspondence to King Edward. If these facts are true, Comyn had set
Continued from above:
Comyn had set Bruce up in London and Bruce barely escaped arrest but for some quick thinking on his part. He did get the coin and spur message to leave town immediately, which he did, flying back to Lochmaben, arriving exhausted and beyond angry with Comyn. So when he confronted Comyn at Greyfriars, and Comyn lied to his face, again, Bruce lost his temper. It's important to know that Comyn himself also drew a dagger. And multiple sources say it wasn't Bruce that dealt the death blow. But Bruce, a man of honor, never questioned that he was at fault.
I also doubt that Comyn had the fighting ability that Bruce did. His family wealth and power, from what I've read, came more from bureaucratic means as opposed to military might. As an aside, he neither possessed Bruce's oratory skills nor charm, and was ridiculed behind hisEdwa back.
I think you are very right that King Edward admired and respected Bruce, having witnessed the same admirable qualities at court that Bruce's grandfather, Robert the Competitor had had. Edward also knew Bruce had a strong claim to the throne of Scotland by birthright alone, having seen his grandfather's legal claim.
I think though that you raise some interesting questions with regard to the immediate surrounding of the English inside Dumfries Castle. Bruce later made use of trickery and camouflage in battle, whether on a field like Bannockburn or in the hills of Carrick. Could he have simply claimed he had the castle surrounded?
Thanks again for your excellent video.
Thank you for your insights. I am glad you enjoyed Dumfries, a fascinating town to walk through and I had to get up and out there at 5.30am to capture the streets so quiet.
Aymer de Valence is one character I’m very intrigued by and I intend to do a profile section for the channel of which he will certainly be included. If you can get a copy of JRS Phillips book on him it is invaluable.
I agree with the Northern respect for law and integrity, and I see your opinion on the Comyn incident. I think many things happened along the way we are not privy to in history books that stirred the pot of the relationship until it hit a wall, and Bruce decided he had to go. Of course there would be enormous repercussions, but I think he was a man to weather that. He even defied papal views by ordering his heart cut out at his end. I’m very doubtful of Barbour’s accounts as I know he embellished and invented a ‘good story…’ on many occasions.
But you must come visit!
I’m sure Edward once he got news of the episode was furious, not at Comyn’s murder, but Bruce’s move. Everything moved so quick after that, very quick, with royal regalia, coronation, and bringing together of everyone I really do suspect…whispers had begun on the play Bruce had to make, only he couldn’t allow it to stretch out any length of time.
The castle is fascinating, and difficult to piece together as I believe fear of Edward I was more for a garrison in giving up a castle than it would be for insurrection. They were experienced soldiers and justiciars, Bruce I believe would have planned it. Maybe he didn’t threaten to burn it down…but had an inside man?
Fascinating to let the mind wander…
I have a feeling Bruce himself would probably tell the story in various versions! The whole thing was so unexpected and probably ill-conceived.
I’m glad you plan to do something on de Valence. He deserves more attention than as just a survivor. I’ll look for that book!
I do plan to return to Scotland one of these days and see the places I’ve studied so carefully on-line. Drone videos are so great these days, but your up-close looks are invaluable.
I am in genuine awe of your knowledge and passionate story telling. Well done 👏🏻
@@eerieedinburgh that means more than you know.
Thank you!
Just sharing my passion!!!
@@robertthebruce-geniusofban647 And we're genuinely all the better for it 😊
Well done - an interesting resume of the story of events triggering The Bruce's play for the crown of Scotland, with well chosen visuals showing the sites of the action described in the narrative.
@@fieldmarshalhaigofbemersyde Thank you for your feedback. In many cases a challenge to do with modern development in many areas, so bringing it to life in other ways is the task. I enjoyed doing this one immensely and it was an itch I had to scratch.
very intresting, thanks for your videos, they are great...
Thanks for watching!
Mediterranean world got that much shocked by that news they decided to put an end to the medieval age.
King Edward was truly a king not to be the on the wrong side of. When Robert the Bruce said I'm more afraid of longshanks bones than of Edward 2end alive I can see he said that with terror. As you describe what the alliance consisted of, and how ruthless Edward 1st is he would be very hard to oppose. I've often wondered if Edward had been alive in 1314 would the battle of Bannockburn turned out different? Or even happened at all since longshanks had been a battle Hardened veteran probably wouldn't have had all the disorder that his son had at Bannockburn. Just reading about Edward 1st is intimidating. You tell this tale well my friend 👍
@@carmichael3594 I am happy you enjoyed it, a complex tale it is, and also many more parts to it which I intend to cover in later episodes.
Thank you for your feedback and supporting the channel in keeping our history alive!
@@robertthebruce-geniusofban647 the characters are very real, and easy to imagine how all this took place in reality
@@carmichael3594 it’s one of those events that really gets us to dig deep with our imagination. It would have been some experience to see if the Greyfriars was still standing.
this may shock people today but life was cheap in Bruce's day, it was a power struggle between two great houses for the kingship, if this had been so bad an incident why did the bishops support bruce after this murder.
@@patricktracey7424 there is every possibility they supported him before and through it!
Thanks for sharing your views!