Page:Robert the Bruce and the struggle for Scottish independence - 1909.djvu/156

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The Earl of Gloucester. Sir Roger de Kirkpatrick.


CHAPTER VI.

THE REVOLT OF ROBERT DE BRUS.

A.D. 1304-1306.

IT is now necessary to revert to the summer of 1304, when King Edward was besieging Stirling Castle.

On June 11th, at the very time when the Earl of Carrick was receiving the King's thanks for his services, doing fealty for his heritage, and having his debts remitted, he was in conference at Cambuskenneth Abbey with William de Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews. A secret bond was concluded between them, whereby it was agreed, "in view of future dangers," that they should in all time coming assist each other against all persons whatsoever; that neither should undertake any business without consulting the other, and that each should warn the other of any approaching danger.[1]

This agreement with de Lamberton had such far-reaching consequences, that this is a convenient

  1. Palgrave, 323.