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Robert the Bruce stabbed John Comyn in front of a church altar during peace nego
1306 Event

February 10

Robert the Bruce Murders His Rival in a Church: Scotland's King Starts with Blood

Robert the Bruce stabbed John Comyn in front of a church altar during peace negotiations. His companion asked if Comyn was dead. Bruce said he wasn't sure. The companion went back inside and finished the job. Bruce had just killed his main rival for Scotland's throne and committed sacrilege in one move. The Pope excommunicated him. Six weeks later, Scottish nobles crowned him king anyway. England had controlled Scotland for a decade. Bruce's murder started a 22-year war that ended with Scottish independence.

February 10, 1306

720 years ago

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