I 



BUITTLE. 203 



A better ladye than scho was nane 

 In all the yle of mare Britane. 



She was succeeded by her son, John Balliol, who had married 

 Isobell, daughter of John, Earl of Surrey, in 1281. On the death 

 of Alexander III., in 1286, Scotland was plunged once more in 

 civil strife over the disputed succession. Many competitors 

 claimed the crown, but these were gradually narrowed down to 

 two, viz. : — John Balliol and Sir Robert Bruce, of Lochmaben. 

 Balliol claimed as grandson of the eldest daughter of Alan, and 

 Bruce, as son of the second daughter, Isabella. They had thus a 

 common ancestor in Fergus. The people of Galloway, of course, 

 espoused the cause of Balliol, the son of their much-loved Dervor- 

 guil, whilst the Dumfriesians espoused the cause of Sir Robert 

 Bruce. The question was referred to Edward I. of England, but 

 meantime Bruce of Lochmaben and his son, the Earl of Carrick, 

 rose in insurrection, attacked the castle of Dumfries, and expelled 

 the forces of the young Queen Margaret. After this they 

 marched to Botle and took it by surprise. They seem to have 

 appointed one Patrick M'Guffok to be custodian, and caused him 

 to make the proclamation within the Bailery. From thence the 

 young Earl of Carrick marched to Wigtown and also took the 

 castle there, killing several people. This Earl of Carrick was 

 the father of the famous Robert the Bruce. 



As umpire in the rival claims, Edward I. assembled a court 

 at Norham on 3rd June, 1291. This Court was composed of 

 forty members chosen by Balliol, and a like number by Bruce. 

 The judgment was given on 14th October, 1292, to the effect that, 

 '' in every heritable succession, the more remote by one degree, 

 lineally descended from the eldest sister was preferable to the 

 nearer in degree issuing from the second sister." In accordance 

 with this uncontestable decision, Edward therefore adjudged in 

 favour of John Balliol. Balliol was accordingly crowned King at 

 Scone on St. Andrew's Day, 1292. Thus Botle became a royal 

 residence All the castles in Galloway were therefore ordered to 

 be given up to him. Edward, however, on account of the promi- 

 nent part which he had played in the succession, claimed 

 suzerainty over Scotland. This was looked upon as a distinct 

 Scottish grievance, and at last, under the pressure of his barons, 

 Balliol resolved to repudiate the claim, and renounced his 



