John Balliol (King of Scots)

Question 1

Was Balliol the true king of Scots

Answer 1

• John Balliol had the best legal claim to the throne
• Both Bruce and Balliol were decedents of David earl of Huntingdon, Bruce was the son of David’s middle daughter, where as Balliol through a Grandson
• Primogeniture (Firstborn child has the right of succession or becoming King/Queen

Question 2

Was John Balliol a bad king

Answer 2

• It was thought that Edward chose John as he was though of as a bit stupid and would be easy to manipulate
• He was inexperienced as a politician, his 3 older brothers had all been given instruction about ruling a major political family
• Scotland had been without leadership for 6 years, the administrative system in the kingdom is a mess (Not his fault, seen as a bad king 4 this)
• He was put in a very difficult position
• No English king had been so motivated

Question 3

John Balliol - Issues with Edwards Overlordship

Answer 3

• Edward warned John if he didn’t rule as instructed he would intervene
• Edward forced John to change his decision regarding a legal complaint from the guardians, embarrassing him (1292)
• Balliol wrote a letter to Edward reminding him of the Treaty of Birgham (England can’t intervene in Scottish courts etc) Edward replied stating that without a marriage the Treaty is Null & Void
• John was publicly forced to recognise that Scotland’s safeguard in the Treaty of Birgham and award at Norham were no longer inforcable

Question 4

Why did John do what Edward told him to do

Answer 4

• Johns position as King of Scots was not secure
• John didn’t have Edwards or Scottish Nobles on his side
• John’s strategy was to humour Edward until he was in a more secure position as King

Question 5

The Macduff Case

Answer 5

• Macduff had disinherited his lands and appealed to Edward in 1291 during the Great Cause
• Edward instructed Bishop Fraser to look over the case, instead Macduff was arrested for a short time
• After John inauguration, Macduff was released he complained again, Edward summoned John to Westminster Sep 1293 for his opinion
• John tried to tell Edward he was wrong, Edward was in no mood to argue & threatened to charge John with Contempt of court

Question 6

War with France and the return of the Guardians

Answer 6

• Edward wanted to tax Scottish people to pay for his war with France (Scotland’s largest trading partner) 1294, Edward also wanted the Scots to go to war with him against France
• In 1295 twelve new guardians were appointed by the Community of the realm to defy Edward, At the beginning of 1296 a letter was sent to France containing a marriage agreement and a Treaty against Edward

Question 7

Why was Scotland so easily defeated in 1296

Answer 7

• Edward was able to defeat the Scots in a few weeks because they refused to raise an army against France, as instructed by Edward

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Question 8

Early Scottish Confidence (fighting)

Answer 8

• 1296, 10,000 Scottish troops assembled to meet the English invasion
• The Scottish army had little fighting experience compared to the English (Crusades, France, Wales)
• The army crossed into Northern England and began pillaging villages

Question 9

Siege of Berwick

Answer 9

• The English army fought Scottish troops, defenders were forced to surrender, they were allowed to flee as long as they didn’t return
• The townsfolk were shown less mercy, they had taunted Edward (said he had a tail), a Dragon flag was raised and everyone in the town was slaughtered

Question 10

Battle of Dunbar

Answer 10

• English lead by Earl of Warenne, he was met by a sizeable Scottish army at Dunbar
• Scottish troops were positioned up on a small hill, however Warenne’s Vanguard went into battle formation
• The Scots mistook this as a retreat and charged down the hill, losing formation
• Many of the Scots were killed or captured including Guardians and nobles

Question 11

Edwards march North - consequences of this

Answer 11

• In 1296 Edward marched through Scotland, capturing Roxburgh castle, Jedburgh and sieged Edinburgh
• He seized Stirling castle and got as far north as Elgin
• John failed to offer any real leadership during the 1296 invasion, he travelled far north to safety
• King John officially surrenders 2nd July 1296 in a letter to Edward I

Question 12

“Toom Tabard”

Answer 12

• 10 July 1296 Edward accepted John surrender, he was forced to apologise publicly to Edward
• The Royal badge of Scotland was symbolically ripped from his coat by Edward
• John and his son were taken to England and were under house arrest for 3 years