John Comyn III of Badenoch
John Comyn III of Badenoch, nicknamed the Red (c. 1274 – 10 February 1306), was a leading Scottish baron and magnate who played an important role in the First War of Scottish Independence. He served as Guardian of Scotland after the forced abdication of his uncle, King John Balliol (r. 1292–1296), in 1296, and for a time commanded the defence of Scotland against English attacks. Comyn was stabbed to death by Robert the Bruce before the altar at the church of the Greyfriars at Dumfries, once it had been declared that Comyn had more connection to King David of Scotland and therefore should be the next King of Scotland, not Robert.
John Comyn Lord of Badenoch | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1274 |
| Died | 10 February 1306 Greyfriars, Dumfries, Scotland |
| Cause of death | Stabbing |
| Other names | Red Comyn |
| Years active | 1296–1306 |
| Office | Guardian of Scotland |
| Spouse | Joan de Valence |
| Children | John Comyn IV Elizabeth, Baroness Talbot Joan, Countess of Atholl |
| Parent(s) | John Comyn II Eleanor Balliol |
| Relatives | King John Balliol (uncle) John Comyn, Earl of Buchan (cousin) |
| Family | Clan Comyn of Badenoch |
| Guardian of Scotland | |
| In office 1298–1304 Serving with
| |
| Preceded by | William Wallace |
| Succeeded by | John of Brittany (appointed by Edward I of England) |
| Military service | |
| Battles/wars | Scottish Independence War • Battle of Dunbar (1296) • Battle of Roslin (1303) Edward I's Flemish campaign |
His father, John Comyn II, known as the Black Comyn, had been one of the competitors for the Crown of Scotland, claiming his descent from King Donald III. His mother was Eleanor Balliol, sister of King John Balliol. He had, moreover, links with the royal house of England: in the early 1290s, he married Joan de Valence, cousin of King Edward I.