MASONIC ITEM COMMEMORATING JOHN BALLIOL KING OF SCOTLAND 1292-1296

MASONIC ITEM COMMEMORATING JOHN BALLIOL KING OF SCOTLAND 1292-1296

DESCRIPTION:

An intricately carved symbolic wooden item in the form of a lidded sarcophagus carved with
the Roman numerals MCCXCII (1292), on top of which is a slain lion and a shield with the
cross of St. George (England). In front of the sarcophagus is a round brass bowl.

The death of Margaret of Norway left no clear successor and the Scottish throne without a monarch
for two years. King Edward I of England called a series of meetings with claimants, who included
the illegitimate offspring of William The Lion and three descendants of David Huntington the younger
brother of Malcolm IV - John Balliol, John Hastings and Robert de Bruce (father of Robert the Bruce).
John Balliol was chosen and crowned king of Scone in 1292. However he endured a short but difficult
reign caught between the English king and Scottish nobles who humiliated him and called him Toom
Tabbard (empty coat). The Scots took power into their own hands and in 1295 allied with Philip of
France. This precipitated a clash with Edward who invaded Scotland in 1296 and stripped John Balliol
of his power. He removed the Stone of Scone to Westminster where it remained for 700 years until 1996.

CONDITION:

Vintage, with a few chips and scuff marks.

DIMENSIONS:

Approximately 140mm in length X 115mm in width X 85mm in height.