Document 2/10/287 (Foedera, i, II, 741)
- Description
- To lord Edward, king of England, lord of Ireland and duke of Aquitaine, his devoted chaplain, W[illiam], minister of the church of St Andrews in Scotland. He notes the assembly of Scots at Perth on 1 October to hear Edward’s response on certain matters and that Edward’s messengers and the bishop afterwards prepared to travel to Orkney to treat with Norwegian messengers and to receive their lady the queen, but a rumour has resounded through the people that their lady must be dead, on account of which the kingdom of Scotland is in turmoil and the community in despair. When this rumour was heard and published, Sir Robert de Bruce, who earlier had not intended to come to the assembly, came there with a great following to hinder certain persons. The earls of Mar and Atholl have gathered their armies already and there is fear of civil war unless God provides a swift remedy through Edward’s industry and service. The bishop of Durham, the earl of Warenne, and William, heard afterwards that their lady had recovered from her illness but was still weak, and so they have agreed to remain near Perth until they hear definite news from knights who have been sent to Orkney. And, as soon as they have good news, which is expected daily, they will set out for those parts for the business committed to them. If Sir John de Balliol shall come to Edward’s presence, William advises that in every outcome he take care to deal with him so that Edward’s honour and advantage are preserved. If it happens that their lady has indeed died, they ask Edward to please approach the Border to the consolation of the Scottish people and to staunch the spilling of blood so that the true men of the kingdom can maintain their oath unbroken and set up as him who by law should inherit, if so be that he is willing to abide by Edward’s advice.
- Firm date
- Saturday 7 October 1290
- Dating Notes
- Saturday morrow of St Faith Virgin, 1290
- Place date (modern)
- Leuchars
- Place date (document)
- Locris
- Related Place
- Leuchars
- Source for Data Entry
- Foedera, i, II, 741
- Trad. ID
- Foedera, i, II, 741
- Calendar number
- 2/10/287
- Charter type
- Letter (correspondence)
- Language
- Latin
- Original (contemporary)
- yes
- Notes
- Duncan, The Kingship of the Scots, 197-99. Ash, St Andrews, App. 2F, no. 6; Nat. MSS Scot., i, no. 70; Fraser, Facsimiles, no. 72.