Edwards treatment of Scotland after Alexander III death

Question 1

Overlordship at Norham

Answer 1

• Scottish Guardians and claimants of the throne travelled to Uppsetlington just north of the English border
• Across the river Tweed, Edward and a large army set up at Norham Castle (April 1291)
• Guardians wanted Edward to come to them, it became clear Edward wasn’t moving. The Scots were forced to go to him
• Edward demanded that the Scots recognise him as their Overlord before he decided who would be king of Scots
• The Guardians argued only a king could make such a decision

Question 2

What were Edwards Intentions towards Scotland

Answer 2

• Before the death of Margaret Edwards treatment towards the Scots was somewhat fair
• After Margaret’s death Edwards behaviour changed, his demand for Overlordship,
• Prior to the meeting at Norham Edward had his fleet on standby to block Scottish ports and was summoning troops from the Northern counties
• Historians agree after Alexander III death, Edward I took advantage of Scotland in a time of weakness

Question 3

The Great Cause (Best claimants)

Answer 3

• Of the 13 claimants only 3 had serious claims, all 3 were decedents of of the daughter of David Earl of Huntington, a descendent of David I of Scotland
• Edward demanded all claimants to admit he was their overlord, the main 3 didn’t at first but fear of being left out they bowed down
• John Balliol, Robert Bruce, John of Hastings

Question 4

The Great Cause (Award of Norham)(Swearing Oath)

Answer 4

• By 12 June 1291 all 9 of the original claimants had sworn the oath to the English King, This number eventually rose to 13
• When all the claimants said Edward was there overlord it meant that he had legal possession of the kingdom of Scotland
• Edward could now judge who would be king of Scotland

Question 5

The Great Cause (Edward choosing Balliol)

Answer 5

• 17th November 1292, after 13 months of political arguments and debate John Balliol was chosen a King of Scots
• John Balliol had the best claim, it was thought that he was chosen as he was easier to manipulate and control
• Balliol was the last of the claimants to acknowledge Edward as Overlord, he did so on the 10 June 1291