The Vennel

Robert Bruce was a Competitor for the Scottish throne following the death of his father in 1304. On 10th February 1306, Bruce met his cousin, John, known as "The Red" Comyn at the High Alter of the Church of Greyfriars in Dumfries at the top of this street (see my blip of 23rd. November)). John Comyn also had a claim to the throne and an argument developed. Bruce pulled out his dagger and stabbed Comyn. He rushed out, horrified at what he had done, and cried "I doot I hae killed him" His brother in law, Sir Roger Kirkpatrick rushed inside crying, 'I'll mak siccar'.

Bruce, realizing that he would be excommunicated by the Pope, gathered his loyal supporters and made his claim for the Kingdom. His theory, later proved wrong, was that the Pope would not excommunicate a crowned king. On 25th March only six weeks later he was crowned King of Scots at Scone Abbey. He defeated an English army at the Battle of Glentrool in 1307. and on midsummer's day, 1314 the great battle between King Edward 11 and King Robert the Bruce's men took place at Bannockburn. The date engraved on every Scottish heart.

You would think that with all that history, the Vennel would have been kept better than it is as one of Dumfries' main shopping streets.