Causes of the Battle of Bannockburn

Question 1

What year did King Alexander III of Scotland pass away? (1)

Answer 1

1286

Question 2

What did King Alexander III’s death signal? (2)

Answer 2

• It signalled the end of a long period of peace & prosperity in Scotland.
• It led to a succession crisis as he had no grown up heir to the throne.

Question 3

What did the Scottish Lords of Congregation decide to do in 1290? (2)

Answer 3

• They asked Edward I to choose the successor to King Alexander from a list of 13 candidates

Question 4

What were Edward I reign dates? (2)

Answer 4

1272-1307

Question 5

Who did Edward I choose as the successor? (1)

Answer 5

John Balliol

Question 6

What were John Balliol’s reign dates? (2)

Answer 6

1292-1296

Question 7

Why did Edward choose John Balliol? (1)

Answer 7

He thought Balliol could be his ‘puppet’ and he could control him.

Question 8

Why did Edward I invade Scotland in 1296? (2)

Answer 8

Balliol made the “Auld” alliance with Phillip of France (1), who was an enemy of Edward. (1)

Question 9

On what date did Balliol surrender to Edward? (2)

Answer 9

10th July 1296

Question 10

What were the Scottish Wars of Independence? (3)

Answer 10

A series of conflicts between England and Scotland (1), driven by Scotland’s desire for independence (1) after Edward conquered in 1296. (1)

Question 11

Why could the Scottish Wars of Independence be seen as a cause of the Battle of Bannockburn? (2)

Answer 11

The Battle of Bannockburn was another battle for independence for Scotland.

Question 12

What were Edward II’s reign dates? (2)

Answer 12

1307-1327

Question 13

Why was Edward II considered a weak king? (4)

Answer 13

• a self indulgent monarch
• he gave his favourite nobles, like Gaveston, gifts and priveleges beyond their stature.
• this annoyed other nobles
• he was a weak military leader, unlike his father

Question 14

What were Robert Bruce of Scotland’s reign dates? (2)

Answer 14

1306-1329

Question 15

How did Robert Bruce take advantage of Edward II’s weak leadership? (3)

Answer 15

He began to retake castles & land (1), not just in the highlands (1), but in the lowlands which were traditionally allied with the English crown (1).

Question 16

Who signed the ‘deal’ between England and Scotland at Stirling Castle? (2)

Answer 16

Edward Bruce (Robert’s younger brother) & Sir Philip De Mowbray (English commander of Stirling Castle)

Question 17

On what date was the ‘deal’ between England and Scotland at Stirling Castle done? (2)

Answer 17

24th June 1313

Question 18

What were the terms of the ‘deal’ between England and Scotland at Stirling Castle? (4)

Answer 18

That by 24th June 1314 (1) if no English force had come to relieve the garrison (1) then Sir Philip de Mowbray (1) would hand over control of Stirling Castle to Robert the Bruce. (1)

Question 19

What were Edward II’s thoughts about the ‘deal’ between England and Scotland at Stirling Castle? (3)

Answer 19

He did not want to partake in a northern war (1) as it would be expensive (1) and he did not have the full support of the nobility. (1)

Question 20

What did Edward II decide to do about the deal made in 1313? (3)

Answer 20

He could not ignore the threat of losing Stirling Castle (1) and control of Scotland and the loss of support (1), homage & taxes that came from the Scottish lowland nobles. (1)

Question 21

What date was the Battle of Bannockburn fought? (2)

Answer 21

23-24 June 1314