Dunegal was the Celtic chief of Strathnith or Straneth, the original name of Nithsdale. He lived during the reign of David I.
"David, by the grace of God King of Scots, to all his barons, men and friends, French and English, greeting. Know ye that I have given and granted to Robert de Brus Estrahanent [i.e., Annandale] and all the land from the boundary of Dunegal of Stranit [Nithsdale] to the boundary Randolph Meschin; and I will and grant that he should hold and have that land and its castle well and honourably with all its customs, namely with all those customs which Randolph Meschin ever had in Carduill [Carlisle] and in his land of Cumberland on that day in which he had them most fully and freely. Witnesses: Eustace Fitzjohn, Hugh de Morville, Alan de Perci, William de Somerville, Berengar Engaine, Randolph de Sules, William de Morville, Hervi son of Warin and Edmund the chamberlain. At Scone. 1124." (1)
II. Dovenald- Dovenald obtained the Barony in Sanquhar, Morton and other possessions in Upper Nithsdale. His descendants took the surname of Edgar.
Ref:
(1) Early Scottish Charters Prior to 1153- Sir Archibald Lawrie, Edinburgh, 1905- pp.48-9, No. LIV
"The Scottish Nation"- William Anderson, A. Fullarton & Co., Edinburgh, 1880
2I. RANULPH (DUNEGAL 1)
m. BETHOC(m.1. Uchtred of Tynedale)- ? daughter of Donald Bane.
Ranulph was the Lord of Stranith or Nithsdale. From his marriage to Bethoc he obtained the lands of Bedrule and Buecastle in Teviotdale.
Abstract of a charter by King David to the Church of St. Kentigern at Glasgow, dated 1136:
David, king of Scots, grants to the church of St. Kentigern of Glasgow part of Partick, which Ascelin archdeacon of Glasgow held of the king, by the marches by which Ailsi and Tocca held the land when it was in the king�s demesne. In future the archdeacon is to pay the church the rent he used to pay to the king, namely one merk of silver yearly for the rest of his life. When the archdeacon dies the land shall remain in the service of the church. Witnessed by �Herberto Abbate de Rochesburc, Willelmo cancellario, Willelmo filio Dunecan, Malis Comite, Dunecano Comite, Fergus de Galweia, Aad cum barba, Malduueni mac murdac, Malodeni de Scona, Malodeni marescal, Radulfo filio Dunegal, Duunenald fratre ejus, Uchtred filio Fergus, Hugone Britone, Herberto camerario, Gileberto fimboga, Gileberto de Striuelin, Dufoter de Calateria. Apud Glasgu�.(1)
Another charter by King David to the Church of St. Kentigern at Glasgow from c.1140:
David, king of Scots, to his barons, officers, and all his liegemen of his whole kingdom, as well his Galloway men as English and Scotsmen. It announces that he has granted to God and to the church of St. Kentigern of Glasgow, in perpetual alms, the tenth part of his cain in cattle and pigs due to him annually from Strathgryfe, Cunningham, Kyle and Carrick (all districts in Renfrewshire and Ayrshire), in each year except when the King himself stays in those districts and consumes his cain. Witnessed by Willelmo Cumin cancellario, Hugone de Moreuilla, Fergus de Galweia, Hugone Britone, Waltero filio Alani, Alwino Mac Archil, Radulfo filio Dunegal, Dunenald fratre suo. Apud Cadihou�.(2)
Another charter by King David to the Church of St. Kentigern at Glasgow from the same time period:
David, king of Scots, to the king�s justices, sheriffs, barons, and all his officers of Cumberland, and announces that he has granted to the church of St. Kentigern of Glasgow, the eighth penny of all his pleas throughout Cumbria, both in money and cattle, and he orders that the church may enjoy this share as freely as any �elemosina� can be given and held. Witnessed by �Willelmo Cumin cancellario, Fergus de Galweia, Hugone Britone, Waltero filio Alani, Radulfo filio Dunegal, Duuenald fratre suo, Alwino Mac Archil. Apud Cadihou�. (3)
Abstract of another charter by King David to the Abbey of Jedburgh in Roxburghshire from c.1150:
King David, prompted by Heaven, for the weal of his soul and for the souls of Henry his son and of his ancestors and successors, announces he has founded a monastery at Jedworth, and has established canons regular there, with the advice and assent of John late Bishop, and of his other bishops, earls, and barons and religious men. He grants to this house the minster with everything belonging to it, namely: the teinds of the touns of the whole parish, the two Jedworths, Lanton, Nisbet (in Crailing) and Crailing belonging to Sheriff Cospatric with the chapel given by him and one and half ploughgates of arable and three acres with two tofts; the teinds of the other Crailing belonging to Orm son of Eilaf: the chapel of Scraesburgh (in Oxnam) founded on the Water of Jed in a clearing in the wood opposite Mervinslaw; the teind of the king�s venison in Teviotdale: all the renders due to the said minster, and in addition, these touns, namely, Ulston, Alneclive, Cromseth and Raperlaw; one toft in Roxburgh; one toft and a fishery in Berwick upon Tweed; Long Edwardly; pasture and timber in the king�s wood, except for Quikege; the multure of the mill from all the men of Jedworth where the castle is;: and a saltpan beside Stirling. Witnessed by �Henricus filius meus, Herbertus Glasguensis episcopus, Robertus episcopus de Sancto Andrea, Gillebertus episcopus Dunkeldensis, Andreas episcopus Catanensis, Arnold abbas Calc., Gaufridus abbas de Dumfermlin, Albyn abbas de Sancta Cruce, Comes Duneth, Hugo de Morvilla [constabularies], Radulph filius Dugall et multi alii�. (4)
Abstract of a charter by Robert, Bishop of St. Andrews to Herbert, Bishop of Glasgow from 1150:
Robert, Bishop of St. Andrews, states that he has granted �et per libram saisisse� the church of Lohworuora to Herbert, Bishop of Glasgow, �sicut de possessione Glasguensis�. The King was present and assented to the grant. The Bishop reserved to the church of St. Andrews all Episcopal rights in the church of Lohworuora as in other churches in Lothian. Witnessed by �Gregorio Dunchelden episcopo, Andrea Chatan eciscopo, Gaufrido abate de Dunfermelin, Ernaldo abate de Calceho, Alfwino abate de Sancta Cruce, Willelmo abate de Striuelin, Roberto priore de Sancto Andreae, Osberto priore de Sancta Cruce, Thoma priore de Scone, Thor archidiacono, Ascelino archidiacono, Eyolfo decano, Waltero cancellario Regis, Ingelleran cancellario comitis, Magistro Laurentio, Jordane Heyrun, Waltero capellano de Lillesclive, Nicholao clerico, Thoma de Linnithuc, Dunecan comite, Hugone de Moreuilla, Willelmo de Sumervilla, Cospatrico filio Waltheof, Waltero de Lindeseai, Willelmo fratre ejus, Bernardo de Boilond, Willelmo de Vesci, Odenel de Unfranuilla, Waltero de Bolebech, Alfwino Rennere, Eadwardo constabulario, Thor filio Suein, Willelmo de Graham, Arturo Finboga, Rogero nepote episcopi Sancti Andreae, Uhtred filio Fergus, Radulfo filio Dunegal, Duuenald fratre ejus, Baldewino flam., Hug. Filio Fresechin�. (5)
Abstract of a charter by King Malcolm IV to the Hospital of St. Andrews, c.1155:
Malcolm, king of Scots confirms to the Hospital of St. Andrews one carucate in Kedlock (Fife) granted to it by Simon, son of Michael, and his heirs, to be held by the marches perambulated by Simon and those with him, and granted at Dunfermline in Fife. Witnessed by �Gregorio episcopo Duncheldensi, Andrea episcopo Cathernensi, Matheo archidiacono, G. Comite, Ferch� comite, Dunecano comite, Radulfo filio Dunegal, Merleswein, apud Dunferlin'.(6)
Another charter by Malcolm IV to the Cathedral of St. Andrews, c.1160:
Malcolm, king of Scots, confirms in general all the churches, lands, possessions and liberties of St. Andrews (Cathedral) Priory, and in particular the grants made to it by his grandfather, King David, his father Earl Henry, himself, and Bishop Robert. Witnessed by �Gregorio episcopo de Dunkeld, Andrea episcopo de Cathern, Galfrido abate Dunf�, Matheo archidiacono, Comite Cospatricio, Hugone de Moreuill et filio eius Ricardo, Gilleberto de Umframuill, Waltero filio Alani, Hererto camerario, Merleswano, Nes filio Willelmi, Dauid Olifard, Roberto de Brus, Radulfo filio Dunegal, Philippo de Coleuilla, Ricardo Cumin, Thomas de Lund�, Rogerio de Theruieth, Waltero clerico, Ricardo de Hospitali Ierosolimitano, Roberto fratre de Templo. Anno ab incarnatione domini m�, c�, lx� apud Sanctrum Andream'.(7)
There is a charter by Radulf son of Dunegal to the Hospital of St. Peter of York c.1160:
R[adulph] son of Dunegal, grants them of his heritage in Dumfries 2 bovates free of all custom and service. Witnesses: Gilchrist son of Brunn, and Gilendonrut Bretnach, Gilcomgal MacGilblann, and Udard son of Uttu, and Waldeve son of Gilchrist, and many others. Dumfries. (8)
Radulph witnessed another charter by Malcolm IV to the Abbey of Jedburgh in 1161:
Malcolm, king of Scots, confirms to Jedburgh Abbey the church of St. Peter of Restenneth in Fife, together with all its churches, lands, possessions and liberties, which his precedecessors granted to that church; and provides that Abbot Osbert of Jedburgh shall place a prior and convent in Restenneth according to its capacity. Witnessed by �Aernaldo Episcop Sancti Andree, Willelmo Episcopo Moreu�, Herberto Glasguense Episcopo, Gaufrido Abbate de Dunifermelin, Willelmo Abbate de Melros, Johanne Abbate de Kalchou, Willelmo Abbate de Eden�b�, Aluredo Abbate de Striuelin, Willelmo & Dauid fratribus meis, Ada Comitissa matre nostra, Waltero Cancellario, Engelramo Archidiacono, Nicholas camerario, Waltero Dapifero, Ricardo Conestabulario, Gilberto de Vnframuilla, Dauid Olifard, Hugone Ridel, Ricardo Cumin, Philippo de Coleuilla, Radulfo filius Dunegal. Apud Rochesburg�. (9)
There is a bond between the abbeys of Holm Cutlram and Dundrennan c.1161-74:
Agreement between the abbeys of Holm and Dundraynan. The latter made claim on Kyrkewinni, held by the former from Huctred f. Fergus. It is agreed that Holm shall not acquire more land or build more houses or sheepcotes on the western side of the Nid [river Nith]. But on the eastern side, on land that belonged to Radulph f. Duvenald, neither house shall acquire more without the consent of the other. Dundraynan shall have power to increase on the west side of the river, outside the land of the grange of Holm. The flocks of Holm are not to go into the adjacent pastures so far that they cannot return at night to their own grange, until Dundraynan has got land for a grange, to enclose these pastures and prevent intrusion by the flocks of Holm. The pigs of Kirkewinni can go into the woods of Huctred between the grange and the Nid, but in time of pannage the pigs of both abbeys shall get pannage outside the aforesaid wood. (10)
Also c.1161-74 is a Papal Bull by Pope Alexander III to the Abbey of Holm Cultram:
Pope Alexander to Everard, abbot, and the brothers of the monastery of Holm grants his sanction to their holding the island of Holm, granted by king Henry (II), and Kirkewinni, held in fee farm from Uctred f. Fergus, and the saltwork, pasture, etc there, and the lands of Colnehath and Karlaveroc granted by Radulph f. Donegal and confirmed by King Malcolm. (11)
Abstract of a charter by King Malcolm IV to the Lords of Galloway and Nithsdale, c.1161-4:
Malcolm, king of Scots, informs Uchtred son of Fergus and his brother Gilbert and Radulf son of Dunegal and Duvenald his brother and all his good men of Galloway and Clydesdale that he has given his firm peace to the men going to Galloway to lodge or dwell in the land of Dunrod. He confirms to the charter charters by which Fergus and his son Uchtred granted and confirmed this land to Holyrood Abbey. Also, no one is to disturb anyone travelling towards or staying in this land for the purposes mentioned and that no one is to remain in the land against the will of the canons of Holyrood, on pain of the king�s forfeiture of ten pounds. Witnessed by �Aluredo Abbate de Striuelin, Roberto Priore de Mai, Engelramo cancellario, Waltero filio Alani dapifero, Johanne de Vallibus. Apud Clacmanant�. (12)
Abstract of a confirmation by King William to the Abbey of Jedburgh c.1165-70:
'King William Dei gratia Rex Scott, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Prioribus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Justiciis, Vicecomitibus, Ceterisque hominibus totius terre sue, Francis, Anglis, Scottis, Cunctisque Sancte Dei Ecclesie filiis, Salutem. Ex suscepto regimine Regni incumbit nobis Ecclesiam et Ecclesiasticas diligere personas et non solum de nostris eis benefacere sed & Beneficia ab aliis Dei fidelibus eis collata ~ auctoritate Regia confirmare et cum sua eis integritrate conseruare. Inde est quod nos consilio proborum hominum nostrorum ~ Possessiones et bona que a Predecessoribus nostris et ab aliis Regni nostri principibus et fedelibus Deo et Ecclesie Sancte MARIE de Jeddew et Canonicis ibidem Deo seruientibus collata sunt presenti eis Priuilegio confirmamus' - After the name of the benefactor is given, followed by the benefaction, there follows a long list of properties and privileges confirmed to Jedburgh Abbey including � Ex dono Radulfo filii Dunegal et uxoris eius Bethoc unam carrucatam terre in Rughechestre et communem eiusdem ville pasturam. Charter is witnessed by Richard Episcopus de Sancto Andrea, Engelramus Episcopus of Glasgu, Johannes Abbas de Calceo, Euerardus Abbas de Holcutr�, Nicholaus Cancellarius, Matheus archidiaconus de Sancto Andrea, Richardus capellanus, Walterus filius Alani, Ricardus de Moreuill, Philippus de Valoniis, Robertus Auenel, Bernardus filius Brien, Gillebertus filius Richerii, Dauid Quieth. Apud Pebles. This charter records a donation made by Radulf and his wife Bethoc of the one ploughgate of land in Rughechester, Roxburghshire, with common pasture of the toun, granted at the establishment of Jedburgh Abbey in 1147. The lands of Bethocrule (now called Bedrule), i.e. the lands on the river Rule of Bethoc, and Rughechester (now called Ruecastle), were Bethoc�s rather than Radulf�s and it seems that Radulf was Bethoc�s second husband. Her first husband, Uchtred of Tynedale, a native Northumbria, was the father of Hextilda, wife of Richard Comyn, founder of the Comyn dynasty. Hextilda�s mother, Bethoc, is said to have been the daughter of Donald Bane, King of Scots, who died in 1097. There is no evidence to suggest Radulf inherited the lands of Bethoc, who predeceased him, rather her lands passed to Richard Comyn, Hexitilda�s husband and grandfather of another Richard Comyn, believed to have married Affrica, daughter of Lord Edgar of Nithsdale."(13)
The final charter involving Radulph is one by King William to the Abbey of Kelso c.1190:
Willelmvs Dei gratia Rex Scott�, Episcopis, Abbatibus, Comitibus, Baronibus, Justiciis, Vicecomitibus, Prepositis, Ministris et Omnibus probis hominibus Totius terre sue Clericis et laicis, Salutem. Nouerint omnes tam posteri quam presentes me concessisse et presenti Carta mea confirmasse pro salute anime Regis Dauid aui mei et Comitis Henrici patris mei et pro salute anime mee et Omnium antecessorum et successorum meorum Deo et Ecclesie Sancte Marie de Kelchou et monachis ibidem Deo seruientibus in liberam et perpetuam elemosinam Omnes terras et ceteras possessiones suas quas habuerunt et tenuerunt in tempore Regis Dauid aui mei et in tempore Regis Malcholmi fratris mei - After the name of the benefactor is given, followed by the benefaction, there follows a long list of properties and privileges confirmed to Kelso Abbey including:
[1] Furthermore I have given and granted to the foresaid monks for the use and operation of the church itself at Kelso, the church of Dumfries with its lands and teinds and all its payments along with the chapel of St. Thomas in the same burgh and the toft belonging to that chapel and with its five acres of land which is held in free alms by the church and Chapel, and I have given and caused these things to be handed over through Philip de Valon and with all other rights belonging to the same church.
[2] Confirmed a grant of the tenth of his cain of cattle, pigs and cheeses from his four kadred of Galloway.
[3] And 13 cows yearly and as many pigs as my rent in kind from the land which the 'sons' of Duuenald hold in exchange for the return which the foresaid monks used to have in kind from the land which Radulf son of Dunegal and Duuenald his brother held and from the land which Gillepatric their brother held in Glencharn.
[4] And from the gift of 'Hugo without fetters' the church of Mortun in Strahnith with one ploughgate of land with all its other rightful pertinents. Charter is witnessed by Jocelino Episcopo Glasguensi, Comite Dauid fratre meo, Aerkambaldo abbate de Dunfermelin, Hugone Cancellario meo, Symone archidiacono Glasguensi, Willelmo de Morevill� Constabulario meo, Roberto de Londoniis, Roland� filio Uchtred�, Willelmo de Lindes�, Malcholmo filio [Comitis Dunecani], Philippo de Valoniis, Alano filio Walteri, Geruasio Auenel constabulario de Rokesburg�, Waltero Corbet, Ranulfo de Sules, Herberto de Machuswell, Thoma de Colevill, Roberto [blank], Philippo de Setune, Herberto Mareschallo, Bernardo de Haudene. Apud Rokesburg. (14)
Issue-
III. Nicholas- captured at Dunbar Castle and sent to the Tower 27 Apr. 1296.
Ref:
"The Scottish Nation"- William Anderson, A. Fullarton & Co., Edinburgh, 1880
5II. THOMAS (DUNEGAL 1, RANULPH 2, THOMAS 3, THOMAS 4)
m. ISABEL STEWART (d. after 16 July 1351), daughter of Sir John Stewart of Bonkyl
d. 20 July 1332 Musselburgh
On 26 Dec. 1292 Thomas and his father were with John Baliol when he paid homage to Edward I. After the Red Comyn's murder in Feb. 1305 Thomas joined his uncle Robert the Bruce.
Thomas was taken prisoner at the battle of Methven in June 1306, but through Adam de Gordon he was pardoned and took up arms against his uncle.(1) He was with the Earl of Pembroke when the Bruce was forced to flee. So close did they persue King Robert that Thomas was able to take his uncle's standard bearer prisoner along with the Royal Banner. The next year he was captured by Sir James Douglas in Tweeddale and taken to the King. Sir Alexander Stewart of Bonkill, Sir Adam Gordon and Thomas were camped at a house on the Lyne water above Peebles. Sir James made a sudden assault and caputured Sir Alex and Thomas.
"Nephew", said the Bruce, "thou hast for a while forsworn thine allegiance, but we must now be reconciled."
To which Thomas replied, "thou meanest to rebuke me, but the rebuke aplies with more force to thyself. Since thou hast chosen to make war upon the King of England it became thee to support thy title on a plain field and after the fashion of a brave monarch instead of having recourse to subtle and cowardly ambuscades."
"Such a contest" Bruce replied, "must yet arrive and perchance it is not far distant. In the meantime it is fitting that thy proud words and rude demeanor should be punished as they deserve till thou hast been taught to bow to my right and to understand thine own duty." Thomas was sent into close confinement and soon swore allegiance to his uncle and supported him ever after. The Bruce gave Thomas Annandale, the Isle of Man and various baronies as well as the Earldom of Moray.
Morton Castle- built by Thomas Randolph c.1307
On 14 Mar. 1313 Thomas took Edinburgh Castle which the English had possessed since 1296 with the aid of William Francis. As Thomas was surveying the castle William said, "Methinks my lord you would rejoice if some one were to devise some means of putting this fortress into your possession or show you how the walls could be scaled."
"Thou sayest truly" said Thomas, "and could such a man be found I pledge myself that his services shall be amply rewarded, not only by me, but by my Royal uncle."
"The generosity of the King and of thyself, noble Randolph", said the soldier, "is well known, but the love of country should be above such a consideration. Know that I can enable you to enter the castle with no greater aid than what a twelve foot ladder affords. If you wish to know how this can be done, I shall explain it in a few words. Know, then, that my father in my youth was keeper of yonder fortress, and that I, then a wild gallant, loved a certain maid in the town beneath. That I might repair to her when I pleased I was wont to lower myself from yonder wall by night with the help of a ladder of ropes which I discovered, descended, returning by the same way unperceived by the garrison. I did this so often that I could find my way in the darkest night. If therefore you should think of trying to obtain access to the castle in this manner, I will be your guide."
Thomas decided to attempt it and with thirty men began scaling the rocks on the north-east side at Wallace's Cradle and proceeded over the wall and took the garrison by surprise. (2)
Thomas was commander of a division or schiltrom at the Battle of Bannockburn 24 June 1314 and was posted on the high ground above St. Ninians, however, Sir Robert Clifford with 500 cavalry slipped past and were approaching the castle. Bruce then saw them and rode up to his nephew and said "Ah! Randolph, little did I dream you would have suffered these men to pass! A rose has fallen from your chaplet." Thomas with 500 spearmen intercepted Clifford and defeated him. The spearmen placed themselves in a ring, back to back, with their spears pointing outward and Clifford's cavalry charged which alarmed the good Sir James Douglas who said to the Bruce "Ah, sir! The Earl of Moray is in danger unless he is aided. With your leave, therefore, I will speed to his rescue". "No", replied King Robert, "you shall not stir a foot for him. Whether he may win or lose, I cannot alter my plan of battle." Sir James persisted: "I may not stand by when I can bring him aid, and therefore, with your leave, I will assuredly help him or die with him!" He obtained a reluctant assent from the king and went to Thomas' aid, however, before he could reach the spot he saw that Thomas and his spearmen were still unbroken while the English cavalry were reeling in disorder. The good Sir James told his men: "Halt! Our friends will soon be victorious without our help. Let us not therefore lessen their glory by sharing it." (4)
Battle of Bannockburn- Day 1
Battle of Bannockburn- Day 2
Barbour talks of Sir Thomas being the leader of the left wing of Bruce's army and resisting the English cavalry. He kept his ground gallantly although his troops looked "as thai war plungyt in the se", that:
"Quha sa had sene thaim that day,
I trow forsuth that thai suld say
That Thai suld do thair deiver wele,
Swa that thair fayis suld it felle."
The Battle of Bannockburn from the Holkham Bible- 1327-1335
In the Parliament at Ayr 26 Apr. 1315 it was decided that if the heir be a minor "Thomas Ranulfi, comes Moraviae" should be Guardian of the King and Kingdom.
When the Irish of Ulster offered Edward Bruce the crown of Ireland Thomas accompanied him with 6,000 troops. They left Ayr and arrived at Carrickfergus on 25 May 1315 and defeated a group of Irish and English sent to greet them. On 29 June Dundalk was taken and after the English defeat at Coleraine Thomas went to Scotland for reinforcements returning in three months with 500 men. He met Edward at Carrickfergus and marched south through Meath into Kildare and then to Arscoll, Leinster where they defeated Butler, Lord Justiciary. Running low of supplies they retreated through Meath into Ulster and were attacked near Kenlis, but the English were defeated. In Apr. 1316 Thomas again went to Scotland for reinforcements and in the next spring Robert the Bruce accompanied him back to Ireland where they defeated Sir Richard Clare and his army of 40,000 near Carrickfergus. The Bruce returned the same year and took Thomas with him. Edward Bruce was killed at the battle of Dundalk 5 Oct. 1317.
At about this time Berwick was captured by the Scots, but in Sept. 1318 Edward II attacked the town and Thomas along with the Earl of Douglas and 15,000 soldiers entered Yorkshire and attacked the Archbishop of York at Mitton 20 Sept. 1318 and defeated them. They almost were able to capture the English Queen as well. This defeat caused Edward to abandon his siege of Berwick. Thomas was one of eight earls who signed the Declaration of Arbroath, the letter to the Pope in 1320 which asserted the independence of Scotland.
The Declaration of Arbroath
In 1321 after putting down a revolt Edward invaded Scotland and the Scots invaded Lancashire and defeated Edward at Byland Abbey in Yorkshire. This time they were almost able to capture King Edward, however, he escaped, but left behind all his baggage and treasure. King Robert resolved to attack the heavily fortified English camp which could only be reached by a narrow pass. The good Sir James and Thomas attacked at the front and King Robert and his highlanders scaled the mountains and successfully attacked from the rear.
Byland Abbey- 1809
Thomas, along with Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews, and Sir John Menteith were appointed commissioners to meet with the English to agree to a truce. Thomas was then sent to Avignon to counteract the misinformation of the English envoys at the Papal court and was able to obtain from His Holiness the recognition of the title of King to Robert the Bruce and to sanction the election of Scotsmen to the office of Bishop. In 1326 Thomas was ambassador to France and in April he concluded the Treaty of Corbeil with Charles le Bel. (3)
Thomas and Douglas invaded England again 15 June 1327 and were persued by the young King Edward III. Upon seeing this huge force coming towards them Thomas said "It matters not we shall fight them were they still more numerous than you report them."
Douglas replied, "Praise be to God that we have a leader who would not scruple to fight with twenty against sixty thousand, but by St. Bride, it would be folly to fight at present, when we may, in a little while, engage them with far more advantage."
Edward seeing that the Scots held an impregnable position on the other side of the River Wear sent a messenger to them to ask if they would not fight on more equal terms. Thomas and Douglas told the herald, "Go back and tell your master that it is not our custom to follow the counsel of our enemy. The King of England and his barons are not ignorant of the injuries which have been inflicted by us on their Kingdom. On our road hither we have burnt and despoiled the country and if they are displeased let them now chastise us as they best can, for here we mean to remain as long as it suits our convenience."
The Scots then moved up river to a stronger position at Stanhope Park and then they attacked the English camp at night and almost were able to carry off the young King. After this the Scots retreated to Scotland and Edward had lost his chance. A treaty was then signed at Northampton Apr. 1328 in which England recognized Scotland's independence and acknowledged Robert the Bruce as its King. Upon the King's death Thomas became Regent and guardian of David II. After ratifying the peace with England he restored internal tranquility to the Kingdom.
In 1332 the English were preparing to invade again and Thomas assembled his army and advanced to Berwickshire, but discovered they were coming by sea so he proceeded towards the Forth, but he died of "the stone" at Musselburgh 20 July 1332.
Musselborough is called "The Honest Toun" and celebrates this by electing the Honest Lad and Lass every year. The town motto "Honesty" dates back to Thomas' death in 1332 when he was cared for devotedly by the citizens of Musselborough. His successor as Regent, the Earl of Mar, offered to reward the people for their loyalty but they declined stated that they were only doing their duty. The Earl was impressed and said they were an "Honest Toun". Check out the Honest Toun's Association at: http://www.honesttoun.co.uk/index.html
Musselborough's Honest Lad & Lass- 2011
Issue-