[The Scottish Succession.]

156f. (H. 2).—King Edward [I] sends under the seal of the Exchequer to the abbot and convent of Holm a copy of a letter in the Treasury:—[in French]. Florence, count of Hoilaunde, Robert de Brus, lord of Annandale, John de Baillol, lord of Galwai, John de Hasting, lord of Bergeveny, John Comyn, lord of Badenach, Patrick de Dombar, count de la Marche, John de Vescy for his father, Nichol de Soules and William de Ros claim rights in the realm of Scotland, and king Edward claims seigniory in Scotland; they acknowledge him as suzerain lord of the land. Dated at Norham, Tuesday after the Ascension, 1291.

The same, having acknowledged King Edward's suzerainty, promise their adherence to his judgments. But as judgment cannot be without execution, nor execution without possession of the land and castles, they grant him seisin of the same until right is done to the claimants in such manner that before he has seisin he guarantees to the guardians and commons of the realm of Scotland to make restoration of the realm and castles with all the royalty, dignity, lordship, franchises, customs, rights, laws, usages and possessions in the same condition as before they were delivered up to him, and that right shall be done by adjudgment of the royalty, saving to the king of England the homage of him who shall be king; the restoration to be made within two months after the day when the right shall be tried and affirmed. The issues of the country meantime received are to be deposited in the hands of the present chamberlain of Scotland and of one who shall be associated with him by the king of England, and under their seals, saving reasonable upkeep of the land and castles paid to the ministers of the realm. Sealed at Norham. Wednesday after the Ascension, 1291.

(Endorsed.) Sent to [the abbey] to be inserted in its archives in record of the facts. Witness—Master W. de Marchia, treasurer, at Westminster, July 9th, 19th year of Edward [I] per breve de privato sigillo.