RAEDEN HOUSE 



ABERDEENSHIRE 



OBERT, by the grace of God King of 

 Scots, in the course of the strenuous 

 years when he was making good his 

 claim to that exalted title (being as 

 yet recognised by the Pope and King 

 Edward of England only as the rebel Robert de 

 Brus, sometime Earl of Carrick), did receive no little 

 encouragement and support from the burgesses of 

 Aberdeen ; whereof he made due note at the time. 

 Certain monarchs have been known to do the like 

 under similar stress of circumstances, yet have they 

 failed to consult their tablets after the fortune of war 

 has put it in their power to recompense such services. 

 But Robert the Bruce had ever a warm heart and 

 a liberal hand. Moreover, the expulsion of English 

 landowners furnished him with ample means for 

 rewarding his adherents ; wherefore, when the King 

 had come to his own, the royal burgh of Bon Accord 

 was among the first to receive substantial recogni- 

 tion of help rendered in time of need. Upon the 

 burgesses and community was conferred a royal 



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