The Sun.
London, England, 1819-11-11 00:00:00

kING ROBERT ARUCE.

RE-INTERMENT OF THE BODY OF KIIG ROBERT
BRUCE.
DUNVERILINR, Nov. 5.--ThiS day the grave of
ROBERT BRUCB was re-opened, and inspected in
the presence of the Right Honourable the Lord
Chief Baron, the Honourable Baron Cleric
Rattray, Henry Jardine, 1-I,q. King's Remem-
brancer, ant other (kmletnen of distinction, at-
tracted by curiosity to the scene, together with
the Provost and Magittrates of the Burgh,
many of the Heritors and Ministers of the Pa-
rish, and a unin,rous 694eMbia„,,e iif inhabitants
of town and country. Considerable alterations
were observed to have taken place since the first
inspection in February, 1c315; the ribs of the
body, whieh were then in their natural posi-
tion, having tollipsed, and most of the shroud
with which the body was enwrapped being Con-
sumed. A point, on whiCh much diversity of
opinion had been entertained since the first opening
of the grave, was now settled, that the shroud was
above not under the lead ; sanctioning the supposi-
tion that the hotly may have lain in state previous
to interment, when this rich covering, consisting
of fine damask cloth, interwoven with gold, would
he exhibited ; as also, that it had been enclosed
in a wooden coffin, when laid in the tooth, of
which some vestiges, as formerly noticed, remain•
ed. It was clearly ascertained that the hotly
had been embalmed, agreeably to historical re-
, cord *, for part of the sternum or bream bone
was found, that had been separated lo facilitate
the removal of the heart, which was farther coo-
firmed Tiy the discovery near the grave of an ob-
long leaden box, which, in all likelihood, con-

tained the entrails. The lead that enclosed the
body was laid open, so as to expose to full view
the whole skeleton, of the length of which, as well
as of the several parts, exact measurements were
taken. The body was five feet ten inches in

length, which, when in life, might have been up-
wards of six. The head attracted principal notice.
It was disjoined from the body, and held up to
the admiring gaze of the spectators, during which
it was pleasing to observe a solemn stillness
reign, betokening the feelings of reverential awe,
awakened by the recollection ot the noble spirit
that once animated it, contrasted with the present
humiliation of its mortal tenement. The skull
was quite entire, and perfectly firm. The teeth
on the under jaw were all remaining, Ind a few on
the upper were wanting. It was properly cleaned,
and two excellent casts taken from it, which will
afford materials for the craniological inquirer,. as
well as gratify the curiosity of tl,oiisan'is who had
not an opportunity of seeing the lifeless ori-
ginal. The medical' gentlemen were particularly
struck with finding the angles of the lower
inaxilliary or chaff-bones remarkably acute.
They also noticed with surprise the small and
delicate bone, hyoides, which supports the tongue,
in a state of great preservation. The cartilages,
too, belonging to the larynx, on the top ot the

windpipe, as well as some of those of the ster-
num, still existed. Every necessary inspection
being made, and the head replaced, the body was
raised (vow the spot on which it bad reposed un-
disturbed for near five centuries, and, together

with the box before alluded to, and some of the
newspapers and coins of the day, enclosed in
lead, put into a new leaden coffin, prepared for
the purpose, which was returned to its original

position. The coffin was then con►pletely filled
with hot pi ch, to exclude the air, and to more

effectually promote the preservation of the hones.
This precaution, however, was considered by many
unnecessary, while it was abhorrent to the feel-
ings of almost all. On the lid of Ibe coffin was
this simple inscription :—" ROBERT littuca, 1329.
1819."

On the conclusion of the operations, most of the
principal Gentlemen concerned in them retired to
the Town House, when -111;jor W►lson, Provost of
the Biugh;conferred, in the name of the Magi-
strates, the freedom of the Town on the following