This week – 13 April 1294

John Balliol commanded the justiciar of Lothian, Geoffrey de Mowbray, to restore to the monks of Melrose seisin of a common way through the valley of Douglas, of which they had been disseised by William Douglas. Douglas had been a troublesome knight for many years, and had also refused to give homage to Balliol as king. He was previously cited for disturbing the abbot and monks of Melrose in July 1291 and had also been accused of imprisoning some of the king’s baillies of Lanark as well as officers of the royal justiciar. His behaviour caused Balliol’s new regime many grievances.