The Scottish Wars of Independence v2 - Dunoon Grammar …...Higher > Scottish Wars of Independence > Revision Notes Page 7 of 27 2 John Balliol and Edward I Key Dates 30 November 1292

The Scottish Wars of Independence 1286 -1328

Revision Notes

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1 The Succession Problem in Scotland 1286-92

Key Dates

18-19 March 1286 Death of Alexander III.

c. 28 April 1286 Parliament at Scone. Election of the Guardians.

6 November 1289 Treaty of Salisbury.

18 July 1290 Treaty of Birgham.

c. 26 September 1290 Death of the Maid.

7 October 1290 Bishop Fraser requests Edward’s intervention to prevent outbreak of civil war.

c. 10 May 1291 Edward arrives at Norham. Declares his right to overlordship of Scotland.

c. 31 May 1291 Community of the Realm reply to Edward.

4 June 1291 Competitors place Edward in possession of kingdom and royal castles.

13 June 1291 Competitors do homage to Edward overlord.

7 November 1292 Bruce the Competitor resigns his claim to his son.

17 November 1292 John Balliol is declared rightful heir and king.

1. The Golden Age of Scotland

• In summer 1251 Alexander married Margaret, Henry III of England’s daughter, creating close ties with his southern neighbour. Henry awarded Alexander a lot of lands in England and Alexander agreed to Henry III being his overlord for his English land. However, Alexander was able to sidestep the English King’s desire to be Overlord of the Scots.

• By 1258, Alexander summoned a parliament at Stirling and was able to unite the different factions of nobles behind his rule.

• He had defeated the last great Viking invasion at the battle of Largs in 1266 – petty skirmish. Treaty of Perth 1266.

• He further developed Scottish trade and economy – particular Berwick. • He developed good cross border relations with the English through family ties. • Life was good for the Scots – Prosperity as he was a good King being on the throne for 45

years.


2. The Succession Problem • The death of Alexander III’s son and heir in 1284 caused uncertainty throughout Scotland. • Alexander had been doing business at Edinburgh Castle when after this business he

decided to have a drink. • He then decided to leave and go to Kinghorn, where his wife was. It was said that his wife

may have been pregnant or they were trying for a baby. • His retainers and guards warned him not to go as it was a stormy night and it was a

dangerous road to travel. He went anyway. • Alexander ended up dead at the bottom of a cliff with a broken neck.

3. The Guardians • Despite these problems, the nobles gathered at a hastily called parliament at Scone in

April 1286. • Under the guidance of the Scottish Church, particularly the bishops Fraser and Wishart,

the Scots Nobles agreed to work together for the good of the Kingdom, rather than for their individual benefit or glory.

• This community of the Realm, as it was known, was elected from their number: two earls, two barons and tow bishops to rule Scotland until Margaret or her husband was able to take over.

• This was a remarkable show of maturity for the Kingdom of Scots and its nobility. • The Church had a vested interest in making sure that the community of the Realm lived up

to its promises.

The Community of the Realm • What was it?

-‐ This is an important concept, one that you need to understand. -‐ In the middle ages the king rules through the feudal system, otherwise the kingdom

falls apart. -‐ However, at certain points in Scottish History the community rallies around to keep the

country running when it has no king. -‐ This is referred to as the “Community of the Realm”. -‐ The Community of the Realm was essentially a group of people (usually nobles or

churchmen) who would protect Scotland’s interests at times of particular hardship and difficulty.

• Who were they? -‐ The Community of the Realm did not include the common folk of Scotland, although

there were some indications that the more wealthy inhabitants of towns were consulted. This was an election of nobles to look after the interests of nobles and hence the interests of the kingdom.

• When do we encounter them? -‐ Throughout the wars of Independence we see the Community of the Realm acting for

the good of Scotland on a number of different occasions and different guises – See below.

• Summary of the Community of the Realm


-‐ Leading nobles/churchmen came together to make decisions for Scotland after the death of Alexander III

-‐ The CotR actively organised the 13 competitors and asked Edward to judge who should be king. This was done to avoid civil war.

-‐ The CotR was united against Edward’s demands that the Scots fight in France. They deposed Balliol when he would not stand up to Edward and ruled as a council.

-‐ The CotR supported Wallace through his campaign against the English and appointed him as guardian.

-‐ The CotR supported Bruce because they were united in their desire to remove the English from Scotland.

4. The Treaties of Salisbury and Birgham

• Parliament was convened at Scone in April 1286, where the six men were elected Guardians of Scotland and charged to protect the interests of their queen and to find her on appropriate husband.

The Treaty of Salisbury • At the time it was not seen as such an unusual stipulation to make. • Different historians have their own opinions as to why Edward demanded this. • Perhaps he feared Margaret would be kidnapped by one of the factions within Scotland

and he would be forced to ransom her. • Perhaps he feared that one of the factions would use her as a figurehead and start a civil

war. • Perhaps he had already begun to contemplate ways in which he could extend his authority

over the kingdom of Scots.

The Treaty of Brigham • It was finally agreed at Salisbury that young Margaret would be betrothed to Edward, the

son of King Edward I of England and brought over from Norway. • The Scots drew up the Treaty of Brigham which assured Scotland’s independence despite

the union between the Scottish Queen and the heir of England. -‐ The Kingdom of Scotland shall remain separate and divided from the Kingdom of

England -‐ The Kingdom of Scotland shall keep her rights, laws, freedoms and customs. -‐ No Parliament of Scotland shall be held outside the Kingdom of Scotland -‐ The ruler of Scotland and the ruler of England shall rule in their own kingdoms.

5. The Death of the Maid of Norway • In September 1290, tragedy again befell Scotland. • Margaret died on her way from Norway to Orkney • The exact cause of her death is not known, although it is likely that she caught pneumonia

on the sea voyage and failed to recover. • Once again the threat of civil war materialised.

6. The Scottish Appeal to Edward I and the Great Cause


• Fearful of the ambitions of Bruce, Bishop of Fraser of St Andrews, one of the six Guardians, wrote to Edward I, begging him to intercede.

• A further letter, from seven Scottish earls, written during the winter of 1290 and 1291, called for Edwards help.

• Edward agreed wholeheartedly to judge between the 13 claimants for the vacant Scottish crown.

• For the most part the Guardians were happy with this both Balliol and Bruce believed they had the best argument and that Edward would favour them.

• The others knew Edwards reputation as an expert in law. Few vat this stage were suspicious of his motives.

Norham (1291 – 1292) • Edward held court at Norham. • There he astonished the Guardians by demanding that they accept him as their feudal

overlord. • This was a condition he demanded before making his judgement on who would be king of

Scots. • Edward’s army, with him at Norham was an intimidating sight for the Scots. However,

their reply was clever and only after Edward had picked the King could the issue be dealt with.

Bruce vs. Balliol • There were 13 people who came forward hoping to win the throne of Scotland • Of those 13 the most important were • John Balliol and Robert Bruce (Bruce the competitor) – Robert the Bruce’s Grandfather.

The Great Cause • Many historians have argued over Edward’s motives during the great cause. • It is assumed that Edward used this opportunity to gain control over Scotland, become its

Feudal overlord. • Edward probably thought he should be overlord of Scotland, after all England was so

much more powerful. • Edward demanded that all 13 competitors agree that he would be overlord before he

chose a winner.

Edward’s Decision • Edward announced his decision on 17 November 1292 after 13 months of political

arguments and debate. • In the end, John Balliol clearly had the better legal claim and was thus duly chosen to

become King John of Scots – through the law of primogeniture. • Edward’s decision has been seen as controversial.

-‐ Subsequent Scottish Kings put forward the ideas that Bruce had the better claim and that Edward chose Balliol only because he thought he would be easier to manipulate

-‐ This was not the case, despite later propaganda.


2 John Balliol and Edward I

Key Dates

30 November 1292 Balliol is crowned at Scone.

31 November 1292 Edward rejects all promises made during the interregnum.

26 December 1292 Balliol does homage to Edward.

2 January 1293 Balliol declares the Treaty of Birgham void.

June 1294 Balliol and Scottish nobles summoned for military service against French king.

5 July 1295 Stirling Parliament – election of twelve guardians to rule in Balliol’s name.

23 October 1295 Franco-Scottish Treaty against England.

March 1296 English invasion of Scotland.

30 March 1296 Capture and sack of Berwick.

27 April 1296 Battle of Dunbar.

2-10 July 1296 Balliol surrenders to Edward and abdicates.

28 August 1296 Berwick Parliament – Edward received homage from Scots.

1. Balliol’s Rule

An Overview • John has gained the reputation as being an incompetent king. • This is probably unfair, but he did compare poorly against Edward I. • In practical terms John’s reign was a disaster for Scotland. • The big problem lay in Edward’s over lordship. • Other English Kings had been overlord before, but this time it would be different.

Balliol’s Rule • King John was officially crowned king of Scots on 30 November, St Andrews Day, 1292.

-‐ His coronation was observed by all the important people of the realm. -‐ In accordance with the customs of Celtic kings of Alba he was enthroned upon the

ancient Stone of Destiny, the last Scottish king to be crowned there. • However, John’s coronation was significantly overshadowed by his formal oath of fealty

before Edward I. -‐ This was a voluntary oath that John agreed to undertake in front of witnesses.


• No doubt John, like all claimants to the Scottish throne had hoped that the submission to Edward at Norham would be temporary, and certainly Edward had strongly hinted that at the time. However, the formal ceremony, at Edward’s parliament in Newcastle in 1292, suggested no such thing.

-‐ Alexander III had previously given an oath of fealty for his land in England – therefore a King swearing an oath of loyalty to another King was not an issue.

-‐ Indeed, Edward himself had given an oath to the French king for his French holdings - This was something completely different: for the first time a Scottish king was acknowledging the superiority of the king of England over the Scottish Kings’ land i.e. Scotland.

• The wording of the oath chosen for John by Edward spelled out the new status between Scotland and England. Edward had given the throne to King John and John was beholden to Edward for all the lands of Scotland.

o Never before had a Scottish king submitted so thoroughly. o Now Edward could claim complete control over Scotland. o He could claim the rights to interfere as he was legally able to in any of his lands in

England. In this respect the oath given by John proved to be extremely significant. • If the implication was not clear from the outset, then it would soon become apparent that

Edward took this matter very seriously. To him Scotland was a domain within his realm, just as much as an English county or his holdings in Ireland or Wales.

What does John’s Oath of Loyalty show us? The oath clearly shows that John’s position as king was quite unlike that of any previous king of Scots.

• John had sworn a solemn oath of homage and fealty to the English king. • John accepted Edward as lord superior of Scotland - became his liegeman for the

whole realm of Scotland. • In the oath John swore to ‘keep faith and fealty to you…in matters of life and

limb…against all mortal men’. • Balliol also swore to be faithful unto death. • Longer term issues include the fact that the Oath meant that Edward was within his

rights to interfere in Scottish affairs, often to the humiliation of John.

2. Edward’s Overlordship

• It was clear that Edward saw the administration of Scotland as not solely the responsibility of the king of Scots.

• On Edward’s insistence John was forced to accept an English man to be his new chancellor, perhaps to help set up an exchequer along the English lines.

-‐ This man, Master Thomas of Hunsingore, advised John and set about changing elements of the traditional Scots customs of taxation and rendering of goods.

• As with the English system the office of treasurer was introduced, changing the title from chancellor as it had been since the time of David I – John had to accept English customs

• Edward ordered the wording of the Royal Seal of Scotland to be changed. All in all King John’s reign had begun firmly under the yoke of Edward I.

• Edward demanded feudal military forces from Scotland to go to war against Philip IV of France in 1294.


• Edward continued his humiliation of King John by insisting that he would hear any complaints from John’s court.

-‐ Thus, there was a rush of dissatisfied claimants from Scottish courts wishing to have unfavorable verdicts from King John overturned by King Edward.

-‐ Each case brought new humiliation from John, as he was forced to climb down. • The first case, in 1292, was from a burgess from Berwick. When John complained, he tried

to use the Treaty of Birgham to insist that Edward was overstepping his bounds. -‐ However, Edward publicly forced John to back down and issued letters

proclaiming that the king of England was no longer bound to Birgham, or indeed any guarantees for Scottish independence – as it was a marriage treaty (and no marriage had taken place).

• The most embarrassing case was that of McDuff, where John was forced to appear in person to answer the case.

-‐ Edward would not allow him to have a representative to speak on his behalf. -‐ English chroniclers talk about the king of Scots’ humiliation and his return journey

to Scotland to face his own nobles.

3. The Scottish Response

• Traditionally it has been assumed that these Guardians had effectively taken leadership of Scotland away from King John.

• Edward’s demands seem to have split the Scottish magnates, with many refusing to allow John to follow the instructions.

• Some historians believe that the nobles forced John to take a back seat, and that the new Guardians took over.

• Historians such as Barrow have held firmly to this belief: – GWS Barrow: “…their mistrust of Balliol had pushed them to the point of a sober

constitutional reform…the government was taken out of Balliol’s hands”. • We can say with some certainty that 12 new Guardians were appointed to help John in

this crisis. • Most of these Guardians hailed from the Comyn side of the family, and few if any were

loyal to the Bruce faction. Four bishops, four earls and four barons made up the council, and they are credited with sending envoys to the French court in July 1295 asking for an alliance against King Edward.

• The alliance was eventually sealed on 23 February 1296 and ratified at Dunfermline by King John, the Comyn faction of nobles and many burgesses and bishops. Bruce and his faction were again absent.

• However, there is another possibility: King John may not have been sidelined by the nobility of his realm.

– In fact the Scottish nobles had a long history of support and loyalty to their monarch.

– Could this be just another example of this? It is possible that at the Stirling parliament it was agreed by the nobility, the church and the king that all should be done to resist Edward’s demands for troops?

– As a show of support the nobility and church threw themselves into the ring with their king.


– By stepping forward as Guardians not only did they offer their support to their king, but they also put their own necks on the line along with his.

4. The Anglo – French War and the Franco Scottish Treaty

• As lord superior of Scotland Edward made military demands of King John. • John subsequently sealed a treaty with the king of France in 1295 he was clearly in breach

of his oath. • Ultimately led to the removal of John and his replacement with a Council of Twelve, which

negotiated treaty with France. • Most of these Guardians hailed from the Comyn side of the family, and few if any were

loyal to the Bruce faction. Four bishops, four earls and four barons made up the council, and they are credited with sending envoys to the French court in July 1295 asking for an alliance against King Edward.

• The alliance was eventually sealed on 23 February 1296 and ratified at Dunfermline by King John, the Comyn faction of nobles and many burgesses and bishops. Bruce and his faction were again absent.

• Edward crossed the Tweed in early March 1296 – utilizing a vast armed force. • His invasion was well planned in advance as news of the Scottish–French alliance would

not reach him until July.

5. The Subjugation of Scotland

The Battle of Berwick • Edward crossed the Tweed in early March 1296 – utilizing a vast armed force. • His invasion was well planned in advance as news of the Scottish–French alliance would

not reach him until July. • It is claimed he wished to disinherit Balliol and the Scottish nation. • The first obstacle was the walled town of Berwick. The defenders had fortified as best they

could and they scorned Edward’s offers of surrender. • The defenders grimly held on for three days, but when the English finally took the town,

the defending townsfolk were slaughtered. • Berwick was repopulated with colonists from Northumbria.

The Battle of Dunbar • The Scottish army was waiting for Edward further north along the coast at Dunbar Castle. • The wife of the Earl of Dunbar had handed over the keep to the Scots, while her husband

had rushed to Berwick to sign up with the English king. • Only one third of the English army had advanced to lay siege to the keep. • Led by Warenne, the Earl of Surrey, they prepared to meet the Scots forces in a head on

encounter. • The Scots army numbered an impressive 10,000 men, outnumbering Surrey’s force, but

lacking in any real quality or experience. • Surrey’s troops were all veterans and well equipped. • The Scots were neither. The Scottish commanders mistook Surrey’s repositioning of his

troops as a retreat, and charged, leaving the relative safety of the hill they had been dominating.


• Out of formation and charging the disciplined English ranks, the Scots were easy prey to the charging English knights and men at arms.

• The battle was a complete disaster for the Scots. Thousands of Scots died, and over 130 Scottish nobles were captured.

The subjugation of Scotland • Edward had effectively destroyed the Scots resistance with one battle. • When word of the scale of the disaster spread, Scots refused to contemplate fighting

against Edward and began surrendering. • Roxburgh surrendered after a few days of sporadic fighting. • Jedburgh and Edinburgh castles held off Edward’s troops for a little longer, but when his

powerful new siege engines arrived the castles quickly surrendered, not wishing to withstand the bombardment.

• Stirling did not even put up a fight. The caretakers of the castle were left with the keys by the defenders as they fled an approaching army.

• King John and the Comyn lords retreated to the north east, and there contemplated surrender.

• Only in the west coast did Alexander, head of the powerful MacDougall family, put up any kind of resistance.

• Edward wanted to make Scotland into another province of England, much as he had done with Wales

• One of the ways to do this was to have English lords rule Scotland. • The Earl of Surrey was placed in charge, with Hugh de Cressingham acting as chancellor

Symbols of Nationhood • In an attempt to strip Scotland of its sovereignty and national identity Edward removed the

following symbols of the Scottish nation: -‐ The Stone of Destiny; -‐ Records of the Scottish Crown taken to England; -‐ All Scottish Government papers and documents removed to England.

• Through this the ancient insignia of Scottish nationhood was removed (Stone of Destiny, Crown Jewels and Relics, Fragment of the True cross and all the records of government).

Ragman’s Roll In late August, at Berwick, almost 1600 leading Scottish nobles and burgesses swore a personal oath to King Edward. This was collectively known as the ‘Ragman’s Roll.’ William Wallace never signed the Roll, giving way to the argument that he was a patriot fighting for King John. However, to some historians, Wallace’s failure to sign the Roll could simply be due to the fact that he wasn’t seen as important enough to sign it.

Toom Tabard • King John officially offered his surrender at Kincardine Castle on 2 July by sending a letter

to the English king begging for his forgiveness and blaming his actions on poor advice from his nobles.

• The surrender was accepted in a humiliating ceremony on the 10 July.


• John was forced to renounce his treaty with France, apologise to Edward, and was eventually stripped of his throne, his royal robes stripped off his body and thrown to the ground.

• To the Scots and English alike he would now and always be known as ‘Toom Tabard’ or empty coat.


3 William Wallace and Scottish Resistance

Key Dates

before May 1297 Disturbances in west Highlands, Aberdeenshire and Galloway

May 1297 Wallace kills sheriff of Lanark Wallace and William Douglas attack English justiciar at Scone

June/July 1297 Bruce, Steward and Wishart surrender at Irvine

c. July 1297 Murray leads rebellion in North East

22 August 1297 Edward I leaves for campaign in Flanders

31 August 1297 Wallace and Murray join forces at Stirling

11 September 1297 Scots defeat English - Battle of Stirling Bridge

October/ November

1297 Wallace raids northern England

before March 1298 Wallace appointed Guardian of Scotland

1 July 1298 English army assembles at Roxburgh and advances into Scotland

22 July 1298 Scots defeated at Battle of Falkirk

July-December 1298 Wallace resigns Guardianship. Bruce and Comyn joint Guardians

July 1299 Balliol released to Papal custody

10 May 1300 Bruce resigns Guardianship

July – August 1300 Edward campaigns in Galloway

July - September 1301 Edward and Prince Edward campaign in Scotland

c. 26 January 1302 Bruce submits to Edward

May 1303 Edward leads large invasion force deep into Scotland

9 November 1304 Comyn and other nobles submit to Edward

23 August 1304 Wallace executed

15 September 1305 Ordinance for the Government of Scotland

1. The growth of Scottish resistance to English rule

Early Resistance • Resistance began almost as soon as Edward left Scotland in 1296. • There was no wholesale confiscation of lands by Edward, however his new

administration of Scotland was to prove unpopular. -‐ Earl of Surrey named Lieutenant of Scotland, but quickly left for England;


-‐ Hugh de Cressingham became Treasurer, especially hated due to tax collection – around £5000 in first year of the occupation;

-‐ English judges with no experience of Scottish legal system imposed; -‐ English Lords replaced Scottish Sheriffs; -‐ Wholesale removal of Scottish nobility removed from administration of Scotland.

• The new administration was the first time the majority of Scots had faced the English, and the disruption to everyday life was to stoke resistance.

• Evidence that the various small outbreaks of resistance by the spring of 1297 were incited and/or supported by the nobility and natural leaders of the area.

• Resistance was spontaneous and haphazard at first. • Rebellion of McDougal family in Western Isles – a reaction against rival McDonald

family which had become part of the English administration. • Macduffs rebelled in Fife. • Robert Bruce (Earl of Carrick) and James the Steward raised an armed revolt against

Edward. -‐ Supported by Bishop Wishart of Glasgow. -‐ Probably an attempt by Bruce to advance his family claim for the throne. -‐ Surrendered to English at Irvine in 1297.

2. Wallace and Murray

William Wallace – The emergence of resistance in the south • Very little know of Wallace’s background:

-‐ GWS Barrow – “We know less of Wallace than we know about almost any of the great national figures of our history.”

-‐ Andrew Fisher – “Wallace is at best a shadowy figure and likely to remain so.” • Born c.1274 – probably in Ayrshire (rather than the traditionally reported Renfrewshire). • Modern historians have come to believe that Wallace was the son of Alan Wallace, a

crown tenant named in the Ragman Roll. • Wallace may have been an outlaw prior to 1297.

Origins of Rebellion • Wallace’s murder of the sheriff of Lanark in May 1297 sparked a rebellion in the South

West. • Support quickly mushroomed out from the South West. • English chroniclers claimed that Wallace was directed by Wishart and James the

Steward. • Wallace destroyed the English garrison at Ayr. • Led an attack on an English justiciar at Scone. • Laid siege to Dundee. • Distraction of Bruce, Wishart and the Steward allowed Wallace and his men to retreat

to the safety of Selkirk forest, wrecking castles along the way.

Andrew Murray – Origins of rebellion in the North East • Son of Andrew Murray, a loyal supporter of Balliol. • Nephew of John Comyn. • Trained knight who fought at Dunbar, captured and held at Chester Castle.

Origins of Rebellion


• Murray escaped from Chester and returned home to find his father’s estate occupied by Sir William FitzWarin.

• Murray raised a band of men from the area around Inverness in May 1297. • Initial attempt at Urquhart unsuccessful – but later fell to Murray. • Inverness, Elgin, Banff and Aberdeen all fell to Murray in 1297 due to lack of support

from the south for the English. • By late August Murray and his men had effectively recovered control of the North East

of Scotland and re-established some form of Scottish administration, including sheriffs.

Consolidation of Scottish Resistance • Wallace and Murray probably met up in August 1297 in Perth – Wallace was besieging

Dundee Castle – and joined forces. • Edward I failed to see the growing danger – he left for campaign on the continent. • Earl of Surrey sent to Scotland. • Growing Scottish resistance coincided with the threat of civil war in England as English

earls refused to go and fight in Flanders. This was the most serious threat to Edward during his whole rule.

• Despite Scottish successes, and English weakness, Scots nobles did not openly support Wallace and Murray’s rebellion. Perhaps unwilling to openly risk their lives and land.

3. Victory at Stirling and its impact on Scotland

Background • Stirling was strategically important North/South crossing. • Wallace and Murray had been progressing south from Perth while Cressingham’s

recently raised army marched north. They met at Stirling The Scots • Led jointly by Wallace and Murray. • Forces composed mainly of Wallace’s men and the force which Murray had brought

south. • Estimated 36 horsemen and c.2000 foot soldiers. • Wallace and Murray could not rely on the Scottish nobles providing cavalry. • Scottish forces were placed in the woods covering Abbey Craig, an ideal vantage point

to observe the English camp. The English • Commanded by Earl of Surrey (ill) and Hugh de Cressingham (no battlefield

experience). • Far larger force than Scots – including archers and plenty of cavalry. • Were camped outside the town – in the shadow of the castle, south of the river. The Battle • The English cavalry began to cross the bridge early in the morning, but were recalled

because Surrey overslept. • Cressingham refused to have cavalry cross at the ford upstream, he feared the Scots

would flee. He hoped for a fast and decisive battle. • Cressingham led the English across the bridge for a second time. • When around 500 men had crossed, the Scots charged the bridge. The English were

driven back, killed, wounded or drowned in the river as the bridge collapsed.


• The retreating English army was ambushed by James the Steward and the Earl of Lennox.

The Military Impact of the Battle of Stirling Bridge • Huge psychological blow for the English. • Stirling and Dundee Castles forced to surrender within a couple of weeks. • Gave the Scots a spectacular victory, which strengthened resistance to English

occupation. -‐ GWS Barrow – “Stirling Bridge was a popular victory, the triumph of the

inarticulate un-chronicled ‘poor commons’ of Scotland.” -‐ Roxburgh and Berwick castles were besieged and survived only through

intervention of English army in February 1298. -‐ Jedburgh brought under Scottish control. -‐ Firm evidence of Scottish control of Dumbarton. -‐ Scots in total control of North Scotland until 1303. -‐ Scots secured control of Southern Scotland, West of Edinburgh. -‐ English garrisons in South East insecure. -‐ Wallace raided the North of England between October and December 1297,

doing great damage to defenceless border areas. • Scots did not recognise that victory was based on English incompetence and poor

planning. -‐ Stirling Bridge was more an ambush than a battle. -‐ The support of Scottish nobles for the rebellion was probably only to last as long

as Wallace and Murray were successful. -‐ Victory at Stirling had posed an almost direct challenge to Edward – he would

seek revenge. The Guardianship – Political • Wallace and Murray became joint Guardians.

-‐ Murray, arguably the senior partner, died in November 1297 from wounds received at Stirling. Probably played little part in the new administration.

-‐ Wallace later knighted. • Wallace and Murray governed in the name of King John Balliol with the consent of “the

Community of the Realm”. -‐ “William Wallace, Guardian of the King of Scotland and commander of its army in

the name of the famous prince Lord John, by God’s grace illustrious King of Scotland, by consent of the community of the realm”

-‐ This suited the Comyn/Balliol families, but represented a blow to the aspirations of the Bruces.

• Wallace and Murray encouraged the re-establishment of trade and re-introduced the Scottish administration. -‐ October 1297 – letter to Lübeck and Hamburg. -‐ Re-institution of the Scottish Chancery. -‐ Probably advised by Bishops Wishart and Lamberton – implies Wallace could

take advice as well as issue orders. • Parliament of March 1298 confirms Wallace as Guardian.

-‐ Fills vacant offices, restoring everyday government. -‐ Formally fills vacant Bishopric of St Andrews with William Lamberton (Elected to

post on 3rd November 1297) – a strong advocate of Scottish independence, lobbies foreign courts and Pope Boniface when on the continent for consecration.

-‐ Re-news contract with France. -‐ Training forces raised from noble and crown lands.


4. Defeat at Falkirk

Background • Edward returned with a large force of English, Irish and Welsh – 25,781 at its peak – to

deal with the Scots rebellion. • Edward faced many problems:

-‐ Wallace refused to fight, preferring to use guerrilla ‘hit and run’ tactics; -‐ The Scots scorched earth policy meant that the English found it difficult to get

fresh provisions; -‐ Disputes between the Welsh and English troops threatened to break out into

open revolt. • Edward had planned to resupply in Edinburgh, when he heard that Wallace and the

Scots were in Falkirk. He immediately marched his men there. • Why Wallace chose to fight at Falkirk is unclear.

-‐ The Scots knew of the ‘famine’ faced by the English forces. -‐ Edward’s incapacity having been stood on by his horse. -‐ Wallace took a risk, hoping victory would expel the English for good. -‐ Wallace was without Murray, the superior military tactician.

The Battle • The Scots

-‐ Placed between a wood on a hill, and burn at its foot. -‐ Footsoldiers were in four great schiltrons, ready for a cavalry attack. -‐ The schiltrons were to be protected by around 600 knights led by the Comyns. -‐ Small number of archers.

• The English -‐ Large cavalry – in excess of 2000. -‐ Huge number of footsoldiers. -‐ Large number of experienced Welsh longbow men. -‐ Force led by Edward I himself.

• The English knights charged with ferocious power – causing the Scottish cavalry to flee.

• The small number of Scottish archers were wiped out. • The Scottish schiltrons fought off the initial English cavalry attack, but were destroyed

by a hail of English arrows. They were then destroyed in a second cavalry charge by the English knights.

• Wallace retreated, burning Stirling as he went. • Reasons for Defeat at Falkirk • Tactical mistake of Wallace – engaging the English. This was not planned. • Lack of support by Scottish nobility. • Poor tactics – schiltrons should have been more mobile. • Edward’s forces were much larger and more experienced from their recent campaign

in Flanders. The Impact of Defeat at Falkirk – Military Impact • Edward was able to quickly re-establish control over Southern Scotland.

-‐ English garrisons were strengthened with men and supplies to ensure that they were capable of defending themselves.

-‐ Stirling Castle fell into English hands after two week siege. -‐ Earl of Lincoln captured Cupar Castle and laid waste to Perth and St Andrews.


-‐ Bruce destroyed Ayr Castle fleeing from Edward, who chased him through South West Scotland.

-‐ Jedburgh Castle surrendered to the English. The Impact of Defeat at Falkirk – Political Impact • Wallace resigned the Guardianship.

-‐ He went to the continent to undertake a war of diplomacy – visiting the French court and the Pope.

• Nobles step forward – new Guardians by December 1298: -‐ John Comyn of Badenoch -‐ Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick

• Resistance was low-key for two years after Falkirk – confined to raiding and avoiding sieges and pitched battles.

• New Guardianship was divided, the old dynastic squabbles emerged. -‐ War Council of August 1299 in Perth degenerated into a fight. Bruce and

Bishop Lamberton accused of treason. Comyn feared a Bruce takeover of the crown.

-‐ By 1300 Bruce had left the Guardianship – he was frozen out of both the Scottish and English camps.

• Scottish diplomatic efforts did bear fruit: -‐ June 1299 – Pope Boniface placed Scotland under the protection of the Papal

Curia. -‐ Edward released Bishop Wishart of Glasgow from custody in England. -‐ Pope demanded that Edward produce proof of English overlordship of

Scotland by January 1300. -‐ Balliol was released into Papal custody in July 1299.

5. The collapse of Scottish Resistance, 1298-1305

The Crushing of Scottish Resistance, 1301-05 • By 1299 Edward’s re-conquest of Scotland faced problems:

-‐ Plagued with problems of supply; -‐ Scots ate away at English forces and administration – the English occupation

force had no peace; -‐ Occupation was expensive – many small garrisons were costing a small

fortune; -‐ Scottish diplomatic efforts (see above).

• 1299: abortive campaign – only 2,500 men assembled of the 16,000 called up. • 1300: some success in recovering South West of Scotland. • 1301-02: both Edward and Prince Edward engaged in two-prong attack – but is

plagued with supply problems and desertion. • 1303: Edward launches three-pronged attack and goes further into Scotland than ever

before, right up to the North. The Scots are leaderless at the time. • 1304: Edward tells all Scots that they have to come in under his power, or face utter

destruction: -‐ each individual is to negotiate their pardon with Edward; -‐ there is a sliding scale of periods in exile; -‐ most nobles re-new their oath of loyalty – including Bruce who is promised that

his claim to the throne will be heard fairly by Edward; -‐ Edward demanded that the Scots “put in the way” Wallace, who was not to be

pardoned. Wallace was captured in August 1305, he was executed on 22 August.


• Parliament of 1304 under Edward’s supervision: -‐ Scots included in the government of Scotland; -‐ Only three English sheriffs, the rest were Scottish; -‐ Scottish cases to be heard in Scotland.

• Ordinance for Government of ‘land’ of Scotland in September 1305 provided for everyday council of 22 to help govern Scotland:

-‐ 4 bishops, 4 abbots, 5 earls and 8 nobles.

Reasons for collapse of Scottish Resistance after 1303 • Likely that there was war-weariness – the more effective campaign of 1303-04 had

penetrated further north than ever before. • North eastern ports which had maintained links with continental Europe had fallen

under English control. • Lack of support from Philip of France and Papacy after 1303. • Edward did not have the distraction of a war on the continent. • It was becoming clear that King John Balliol would not return. • Seems likely that the Scottish administration was finding in difficult to continue as

many parts of Scotland were under English control.


4 The Rise and Triumph of Robert Bruce

Key Dates

10 February 1306 Bruce murders Comyn in Dumfries.

25 March 1306 Coronation of Bruce at Scone.

19 June 1306 Battle of Methven.

September 1306 Bruce flees from Dunaverty to Rathlin.

February 1307 Bruce returns to Carrick.

April 1307 Ambush at Glen Trool.

c. 10 May 1307 Battle of Loudon Hill.

7 July 1307 Death of Edward I.

Sep-Aug 1309 Bruce on western expedition.

August 1312 Bruce raids northern England.

7-8 January 1313 Bruce takes Perth.

7 February 1313 Bruce takes Dumfries.

18 May – 12 June

1313 Bruce takes Isle of Man.

19-20 February

1314 Douglas takes Roxburgh Castle.

14 March 1314 Randolph takes Edinburgh Castle.

23-24 June 1314 Battle of Bannockburn.

November 1314 Cambuskeneth Parliament – Bruce’s opponents disinherited.

May 1315 Scottish campaign in Ireland launched.

26 November 1316 Death of Bishop Wishart.

January – May 1317 Bruce in Ireland.

1-2 April 1318 Capture of Berwick.

25 December 1319 Two-year truce.

6 April 1320 Declaration of Arbroath.

3 Janury 1323 Bruce-Harcla negotiations.


30 May 1323 Thirteen-year truce.

January 1324 Pope recognises Bruce as King of Scots.

20 January 1327 Edward II removed as king.

1 February 1327 Coronation of Edward III – Scots break truce by attacking Norham.

Oct-Dec 1327 Peace negotiations.

17 March 1328 Treaty of Edinburgh

12 July 1328 Marriage of David Bruce and Joan of England (sister to Edward III)

1. Background: The Bruce family and the ambitions of Robert Bruce

The Bruce Family • Bruce’s grandfather was competitor for the throne (see Section 1). • Bruce family only grudgingly accepted Edward’s judgement at Norham – were a thorn

in the side of Balliol during his reign. • Bruce family see the English invasion of 1296 as a potential opportunity to gain the

throne.

The Ambitions of Robert Bruce • In 1297 Bruce rebels against Edward I – but submits at Irvine. • After resignation of Wallace, joint Guardian with Comyn of Badenoch. • c. Feb 1302 Bruce submits to Edward I to protect lands and the ‘right’. • Aids English reconquest of Scotland in 1303/04 – but Edward does not trust him. Clear

to Bruce that Edward will not give him the crown. • 11 Jun 1304: Cambuskenneth Bond – Bishop Lamberton of St Andrews to aid each

other in future “urgent enterprises”. Speculation that Bruce was certain of absolution for later murder of Comyn.

• Murder of Comyn was the decisive factor that made it essential for Bruce to openly seek the throne. Reasons for murder unclear: -‐ Could have been result of a failed pact; -‐ Bruce had just inherited his father’s lands and claim to the throne; -‐ John Balliol’s claim to the throne had totally collapsed – under virtual house

arrest of the Pope and had recognised English overlordship; -‐ Edward I was clearly past his prime, Bruce knew that his son was not as

effective a military leader.

2. The Scottish Civil War: Bruce and his opponents, 1306-14

The Recovery of Bruce’s fortunes • Effective tactics:

o Use of guerrilla warfare was effective. Bruce couldn’t meet the English army in battle. Bruce carefully chose the conditions on which he did fight – to ensure Scottish advantage.


o Bruce continually harassed the English forces in Scotland to make the occupation difficult.

o Slighting of castles – taking them by surprise and destroying them before they could be reinforced and re-supplied.

o Blackmailed Scottish opponents to ensure loyalty. o Raids into England after 1307 were a nuisance for Edward II, financially and

politically damaging. • Use of propaganda:

o Stressed his dynastic links to give his reign legitimacy. o Appeared to give continuity of leadership, adopting style of Alexander III.

Talked of Alexander as his immediate predecessor. o 1309 Declaration of the Clergy denounced Balliol and said that Bruce was the

true heir. • Effective leadership of Bruce:

o Bruce had a sense of realism in his dealings with the Scottish ‘Community of the Realm’ – recognised he needed support.

o By 1310 he was able to concentrate on the establishment of administration and restoring trade and foreign relations.

o Rewarded his supporters with lands seized from opponents. o GWS Barrown argues that Bruce modelled himself on Edward I – having been

able to observe his leadership skills first hand. • Death of Edward I, July 1307:

o Edward I was a natural warrior and leader – Bruce knew his son, Edward II, was weak – contributed to Bruce’s confidence.

o Dented morale in England – Edward II was not renowned for his military prowess.

• English had many internal problems. o Edward II had inherited a £200,000 debt. o Refusal to do military service – mercanries did not know when they were going

to be paid. o Edward II had political difficulties which prevented effective action being taken

against Bruce – his relations with his barons were very poor because of his close relationship with Piers Gaveston. Domestic problems had to be resolved first.

o Bruce got time as there were no effective campaigns between 1307 and 1310. This gave him valuable time to consolidate his position and deal with his opponents in Scotland.

The Loss of English supremacy in Scotland • The character of Edward II:

o Edward was not a good soldier or strong leader. o He was uncommitted to the war in Scotland – but couldn’t give up his claim to

Scotland. o Lack of financial support – Edward I had left a depleted treasury.

• Bruce was tenacious and ruthless - he refused to give up. • Support from the Community of the Realm for Bruce:


o Opposition to Bruce was too widely scattered to unite and oppose him – was able to defeat them one at a time.

o Absence of English campaigns 1307-10 gave Bruce time to establish himself. o Bruce had crucial support of the Church in Scotland – political support which

was able to legitimise his rule. Also essential as an arm of official propaganda. • Edward lacked support from his Community of the Realm:

o Barons were jealous and squabbled – occupied Edward’s time. o Edward’s campaign of 1310 was more about escaping his barons – and to

spend time with Gaveston (who had been exiled by the barons) – not because of any pressing concern for the Scottish war.

o There is a poor turnout from the call for war. o Murder of Gaveston in 1312 by the barons – Edward ignores Scotland and

goes on an internal war of revenge. England is riven with division – Edward was in a constant power struggle with the Earl of Lancaster until 1322.

• Lack of resources for the English: o Destruction of castles by Bruce prevented English re-occupying them. o Scots had the home advantage – they were more experienced and better

disciplined. o Paid service was needed – feudal quotas had been reduced and were

unreliable. Paid service was expensive, difficult due to financial difficulties of the English crown.

3. The Battle of Bannockburn, June 1314

Background • By summer of 1314 only Berwick, Bothwell and Stirling castles remained under English

control. • Edward Bruce and Philip Mowbray (a Scot defending Stirling Castle for Edward)

agreed that the castle will be surrendered to the Scots if not relived by an English force by Midsummer 1314.

• Bruce was furious – made English invasion inevitable. Conflicted with the guerrilla warfare policy employed by the Scots.

The English • Large army – outnumbered the Scots almost three to one. • Contained:

o Archers – incredibly skilled and posed a real threat to Scots infantry; o Cavalry – mounted knights - most important part of army; o Foot soldiers – infantry to do hand-to-hand fighting.

The Scots • Lacked English superiority in archers and cavalry. • Scots were forced to rely on their infantry.

The Battle • Took place over two days – 23-24 June 1314. • First day:

o Scots repelled English attempt to relieve English garrison in Stirling Castle;


o Bruce survived madcap attempt by Henry de Bohun to kill the King. • Second day:

o Main day of battle; o English archers proved not to be as effective as planned – Scots cavalry charge

scattered them; o English hemmed in by the marshland and the Bannockburn; o Well-organised lines of Scottish infantry were able to advance – drove back the

English cavalry charges; o English forces became squashed – became trapped; o English forces panicked – and fled. Many were drowned in the Bannockburn or

ambushed as they retreated; o Edward fled to Stirling Castle – but was refused entry. He narrowly escaped

capture. Reasons for the Defeat of the English • English forces were not ready for battle – tired and hungry. • Poor leadership – Edward was unable to control his nobles. • English commanders were too eager to attack – led to disorganised attack. • English were hemmed in by marshy ground – infantry found it difficult to get past

cavalry to attack. Some men were trampled to death in the crush. Reasons for the Scottish Victory • Bruce was much more skilled as a military leader. • Scots were much more experienced fighters. All the Scottish commanders, e.g.

Edward Bruce, Randolph, Douglas etc. had worked closely with their men in the guerrilla campaigns against the English garrisons in Scotland.

• Scots the home advantage and knowledge of the local terrain – they controlled the high road to Stirling Castle. This forced the English onto the marshland.

• Bruce cleverly used his cavalry where and when they were needed to support other troops. This helped prevent English archers from posing a threat to the schiltrons.

• Crucial charge of the ‘sma folk’, demoralised the English.

4. Continuing Hostilities, 1314-28

The Spread of War to the rest of the British Isles • Bruce secure in control of Scotland - but war with England not resolved. • Bruce took war to Edward:

-‐ Distracted attention from Scotland; -‐ Difficult for English to protect Northern England; -‐ Edward II scared about possible “Celtic Alliance” (Scotland, Ireland & Wales); -‐ Ireland important supply line for potential English invasion of Scotland; -‐ Attempt to force Edward II to recognise Bruce a king – Robert always willing to

negotiate; -‐ Bruce knew that Edward faced opposition from his own nobles, this would scare

the English and perhaps force Edward into negotiations or provoke a widespread rebellion against Edward.

Raids on Northern England • Short, swift mounted raids – lasting only a few days, but increasing over the weeks.


• Scots raided on horse, but were able also to fight on foot. They needed only small provisions, which gave them a large advantage of being able to carry out ‘lighting strikes’.

• Targeted livestock and crop production & storage. • Plundered all valuable goods. • Extracted tributes (almost £20,000 in total) – region paid for respite from attack. • Edward did not really help North England – Bruce attempts to cause a rebellion. • Bruce besieged Carlisle Castle in 1315, even though Scots were forced to abandon it,

they caused huge amount of destruction to the area. • English response weak – no campaign in Scotland 1315-21. • Edward’s final campaign of 1322 was a disaster:

-‐ Scots scorched-early policy deprived English of supplies – they found only a single lame cow;

-‐ Bruce refused to engage in battle; -‐ As Bruce besigied Berwick, Bruce and his men raided as far south as

Lancaster; -‐ Scots attacked the retreating English army at Byland, Edward himself was

nearly captured, being chased to the very gates of York; -‐ Represented another personal humiliation for Edward.

• Bruce negotiated truce with Andrew Harcla, Earl of Carlisle in 1323: -‐ Separate Scottish and English kingdoms recognised; -‐ 6 lords from each kingdom to settle disputes between kingdoms; -‐ Harcla to seek Edward II’s approval within a year – if agreed then Scots to pay

£27,000 over 10 years; -‐ English king to have right to choose wife for male heir to Scottish throne.

• Edward had Harcla executed for treason, but without him Edward was himself forced to negotiate a 13 year truce with the Scots.

• Truce lasted only two years (See Treaties of Edinburgh/Northampton below). • Raids ultimately unsuccessful:

-‐ Edward did not seek full peace negotiations; -‐ Limited Scottish resources meant that they were never able to capture a major

castle town (with the exception of Berwick which was betrayed to the Scots in 1318);

-‐ It was the political difficulties of Isabella and Mortimer that forced the English to peace negotiations.

The Invasion of Ireland • Conquest of Ireland inspired by victory at Bannockburn – after Isle of Man retaken in

Feb 1315. • Scottish control of Irish Sea strategically important:

-‐ Breaking English supply line to strategically important Carlisle Castle; -‐ Protection of western approaches to Scotland through the Clyde.

• Ireland an important source of men and revenue for English campaigns in Scotland – this was an attempt to cut these off.

• Conquest and annexation of Ireland could provide significant new resources for the Scots.

• Attempt by Bruce to instigate a Celtic rebellion (serious Irish rebellions against English rule had taken place 1309 & 1312).

• A kingdom for his ambitious younger brother, Edward Bruce. • The Bruce’s had strong links with Ireland:

-‐ Carrick lands included part of Ulster; -‐ The Bruce family grew up in the Irish Sea area, and had a good knowledge of it; -‐ Bruce had married the daughter of the Earl of Ulster.


• Edward Bruce and Thomas Randolph landed at Larne in May/June 1315 – in part paid for by money raised from the raids of northern England.

• The Scots moved south, burning Dundalk, but failed to reach Dublin. The army was forced to face the Earl of Ulster’s army, which it defeated.

• By mid 1316 Carrickfergus had fallen to the Scots and the Scots pushed further south, burning much of Leinster.

• In early 1317 Robert Bruce joined his brother and Randolph in a push far south-west. They faced opposition from some Gaelic lords and problems of supply – resulting in a starving army.

• Edward Bruce was killed in Autumn of 1318, near Dundalk. • Raids of Ireland continue periodically until 1322. • Ultimately the Irish campaigns were unsuccessful, but were a most unwelcome

distraction for the English. This prevented English campaigns against Scotland.

5. Winning the Peace

Declaration of Arbroath • Edward II managed to persuade the Pope to excommunicate Robert Bruce. • Respose of the clergy to the Pope’s demands to know why no action had been taken

against Bruce. • Scots replied by sending a message from the Scottish nobles. • They claimed that:

o Scotland had always been a separate kingdom; o Edward I had taken advantage of the death of Alexander III to try to take them over; o Edward I had used terrible violence against the Scots; o Robert Bruce had rescued the Scots from these calamities; o Robert Bruce was their King because:

he had a ‘right’ to be king; he had earned it by being successful in war; the Scots had made him king (which they claimed they were entitled to do).

o The Scots would never agree to being ruled by the English! In fact they claimed that if Robert Bruce ever agreed to being ruled by England, they would drive him out and make somebody else king.

“For so long as there shall be one hundred of us alive, we will never consent to be ruled by the English. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honour that we fight, but for liberty alone, which no honest man will lose except with his life.”

• The Declaration of Arbroath ultimately had no effect on the Pope.

Treaties of Edinburgh/Northampton • Peace came following the removal from the throne, and murder, of Edward II by his wife

Isabella. • Bruce broke the truce on the day of the coronation of fourteen-year-old Edward III, by

attacking Norham. • Despite a small campaign by Edward III, his regency government was tired of fighting and

decided to approach the Scots with a view to reaching a peace settlement. • Bruce sent the English his key terms for a peace settlement in October 1327:

-‐ Robert and his heirs to have Scotland “free and quit” of English overlordship, to be recognised by Edward III and his nobels;

-‐ David Bruce (born 5 March 1324) to marry Joan, sister of Edward III; -‐ No restoration of ‘Disinherited’ (those who had had their land confiscated) in either

country;


-‐ Anglo-Scottish military alliance – Scotland provide England with military support (excepting the Franco-Scottish alliance of 1326) and England would do the same for Scotland;

-‐ Scots to pay £20,000 in war damages over three years; -‐ English to help get Papal ex-communication of Bruce removed.

• The English agreed to open negotiations in Newcastle in October, the marriage of David Bruce and Joan being the core of any settlement.

• The issue of the Anglo-Scottish military alliance and the problem of the ‘Disinherited’ were the tricky issues.

• Final treaty was agreed in Edinburgh on 17 March 1328. Ratified by English at Northampton on 4 May.

• The key terms were very similar to those proposed by Bruce in October 1327: -‐ Robert Bruce was recognised as King of Scots, free of English overlordship; -‐ Edward III’s sister, Joan, was to marry Robert Bruce’s son, David. This happened

much quicker than the Treaty envisaged, just a few months later in Berwick on May 12;

-‐ Anglo-Scottish military alliance (as outline above); -‐ £20,000 paid by Scots in war damages – this was done; -‐ English support to lift ex-communication; -‐ All the Scottish Government records were to be returned to Scotland. (This was not

done). • Issues not dealt with:

-‐ Return of the Black Rood of St Margaret and Stone of Destiny to Scotland; -‐ The ‘Disinherited’ – those who had their lands confiscated for failure to support

Bruce. The Comyns and their relations would later cause further wars between Scotland and England over the next 50 years.

Overall Legacy • Apparently controlled, strong leadership during his reign. • Well supported by the late 1320s by well-motivated and loyal nobles, e.g. Steward,

Douglas etc. • Produced and heir – secured succession. Marriage of David and Joan also significant as a

key to peace and stability. • Secured peace, and recognition of his kingship as well as Scottish independence from the

English. • However issues with Balliol’s and the ‘Disinherited’ remained a threat.

Documents

The Scottish Wars of Independence v2 - Dunoon Grammar …...Higher > Scottish Wars of Independence > Revision Notes Page 7 of 27 2 John Balliol and Edward I Key Dates 30 November 1292