John "the Red" Comyn, Scottish nobleman

John Comyn III of Badenoch, widely known by his distinctive nickname the Red Comyn (c. 1274 – 10 February 1306), was a figure of immense power and influence in late 13th and early 14th-century Scotland. As one of Scotland's foremost barons and magnates, his life and career were inextricably linked with the tumultuous period of the First War of Scottish Independence, a conflict that defined the nation's struggle for sovereignty against English domination. Comyn was not merely a participant but a central player, commanding significant military forces and holding the highest office in the realm during its darkest hours.

A Powerful Lineage and Royal Connections

The Comyn family was arguably the most potent aristocratic dynasty in Scotland at the time, wielding vast estates across the north and east and boasting an extensive network of kin. Their influence was deeply entrenched in Scottish politics, military affairs, and economy. John Comyn III’s esteemed lineage further solidified his standing:

• His father, John Comyn II, known as the Black Comyn, was a prominent figure in his own right. He was one of the thirteen competitors for the Crown of Scotland during the critical period known as the Great Cause (1291–1292). The Great Cause was the legal process orchestrated by King Edward I of England to determine the rightful heir to the Scottish throne following the tragic death of the young Margaret, Maid of Norway. John Comyn II based his claim on his descent from King Donald III, an earlier Scottish monarch, underscoring the ancient roots of the Comyn family's royal aspirations.
• His mother was Eleanor Balliol, the sister of King John Balliol, who briefly reigned as King of Scots from 1292 to 1296. This direct maternal link to the deposed king placed John Comyn III at the very heart of the Scottish succession dispute and made him a natural leader for the 'Balliol faction' – those who supported the restoration of the Balliol line and opposed English overlordship.
• Beyond his Scottish royal connections, John Comyn III also forged vital links with the English monarchy. In the early 1290s, he married Joan de Valence. Joan was a first cousin once removed to King Edward I of England, as she was the daughter of William de Valence, a half-brother to King Henry III, Edward I's father. This strategic marriage highlighted the intricate web of feudal loyalties and alliances that often transcended national boundaries, creating complex dilemmas for Scottish nobles during periods of intense conflict with England.

Guardian of Scotland and Leader of the Resistance

John Comyn III's most significant political role came in the wake of immense national crisis. Following the decisive English victory at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296, his uncle King John Balliol was brutally deposed and forced to abdicate by Edward I of England, who then declared himself Lord Paramount of Scotland. This effectively left Scotland without a monarch, its regalia seized, and under direct English military occupation. In response to this existential threat, the Scottish nobility and clergy rallied to form a government of resistance.

John Comyn III emerged as a crucial leader in this struggle, serving as one of the Guardians of Scotland. This supreme office was established to govern the realm in the absence of a monarch and to spearhead the defence against English aggression. His period as Guardian, which began in late 1298, following the defeat of William Wallace at Falkirk, was marked by:

• Unwavering Leadership: Comyn initially shared the guardianship with other prominent figures such as Robert Bruce (the future king's father) and later with Ingram de Umfraville and Bishop William Lamberton. This period required delicate political maneuvering and often saw Comyn as the leading figure committed to the cause of John Balliol.
• Military Command: As Guardian, he commanded the Scottish defence, orchestrating military strategies to counter continuous English incursions. This involved years of demanding guerrilla warfare, strategic skirmishes, and attempts to rebuild a national army capable of confronting the much larger and better-equipped English forces.
• Diplomatic Efforts: He also played a vital role in diplomatic overtures, attempting to garner support from continental powers like France and the Papacy for Scotland’s cause against the aggressive policies of Edward I. Despite the overwhelming odds, Comyn demonstrated resilience and determination in his efforts to protect Scotland's autonomy.

His tenure as Guardian showcased his leadership capabilities and his dedication to protecting Scotland's autonomy, even as the political landscape was fraught with internal divisions among the Scottish nobility and unrelenting external pressures from England.

The Fatal Confrontation at Dumfries

The life of John Comyn III came to a sudden and violent end on 10 February 1306, an event that dramatically altered the course of Scottish history. He was tragically stabbed to death by his rival, Robert the Bruce, before the high altar at the church of the Greyfriars in Dumfries. This sacrilegious act, committed in a holy place, was a profound violation of medieval custom and sent shockwaves across Scotland and beyond.

The precise details leading to the confrontation remain subject to historical debate and various interpretations. It is widely believed that Comyn and Bruce, who were both leading contenders for the Scottish throne and had a complex relationship marked by shifting alliances, family rivalries, and deep personal ambition, met to discuss their respective claims and future strategies against the English. Accounts suggest a heated argument escalated into violence, with Bruce striking the fatal blow, aided by his close followers, including his brother-in-law, Roger de Kirkpatrick, and James Lindsay. The motivations behind this act are fiercely debated by historians – some suggest a premeditated act of elimination, others a spontaneous outburst during a tense negotiation.

This audacious and desperate act effectively eliminated Bruce's most powerful domestic rival for the Scottish Crown and left him with little choice but to immediately seize the throne and commit fully to the struggle against England. Within weeks of Comyn's assassination, Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scots at Scone, igniting a new, more aggressive phase of the War of Scottish Independence that he would ultimately lead to a decisive victory at Bannockburn and the eventual securing of Scotland's freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Comyn III

Who was John Comyn III of Badenoch?

John Comyn III, also known as the Red Comyn, was a powerful Scottish baron and magnate from one of Scotland's most influential families. He played a central role in the First War of Scottish Independence, serving as a Guardian of Scotland and emerging as a significant rival to Robert the Bruce for the Scottish throne.

What was the significance of the Comyn family in Scottish history?

The Comyns were one of the most dominant aristocratic families in medieval Scotland, with vast landholdings and extensive royal connections through marriage and descent. They were key players in the succession crises and the resistance against English rule, often holding significant power and vying for control with other noble houses like the Bruces.

Why was he called "the Red Comyn"?

While the exact origin is not definitively recorded in historical texts, nicknames like "Red" (or "Black" for his father) were common in medieval Scotland. They were typically used to distinguish individuals, especially within large families sharing the same name. It likely referred to his hair colour, complexion, or possibly even elements of his heraldic colours or family symbolism.

How was John Comyn III related to King John Balliol and King Edward I of England?

He was the nephew of King John Balliol through his mother, Eleanor Balliol, making him a central figure in the Balliol claim to the Scottish throne. He was also a cousin to King Edward I of England through his wife, Joan de Valence, whose father, William de Valence, was King Henry III's half-brother, making her Edward I's first cousin once removed.

What was his role as Guardian of Scotland?

As Guardian of Scotland, John Comyn III served as the de facto head of state and military leader of the Scottish resistance following King John Balliol's forced abdication by Edward I in 1296. He led the defence against English attacks, managed internal politics, and engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure Scotland's independence during a highly challenging period.

How did John Comyn III die and what was the impact of his death?

John Comyn III was stabbed to death by Robert the Bruce on 10 February 1306, inside the Greyfriars church in Dumfries. This violent act eliminated Bruce's primary domestic rival for the Scottish Crown and is considered a pivotal moment in Scottish history, directly preceding Bruce's coronation as King of Scots and igniting a new phase of the War of Scottish Independence.