King Robert and governance of Scotland 1309-20 - source knowledge and extra factors

Question 1

Effectiveness of Robert’s attempts to safeguard kingdom - knowledge

Answer 1

• tailzie of 1315 establishing brother Edward as his heir as an experienced adult male would have been preferable as leader in such uncertain times rather than Robert’s daughter, Margaret
• parliament in 1313 to issue an ultimatum to his political community to accept his kingship or lose their Scottish estates and titles. Cross-border land holdings would no longer be accepted
• Robert used his parliament at Cambuskenneth to disinherit those who would not accept him as king of Scots
• Declaration of the Clergy (1309) and the Declaration of Arbroath (1320) to justify his kingship internationally, to France and the Papacy
• Robert claimed to have authority from popular consent as well as divine backing - Arbroath, concept that king could be replaced if he failed to properly defend kingdom

Question 2

Effectiveness of Robert’s attempts to safeguard kingdom - historiography

Answer 2

• Penman - Takes the view that Robert’s parliaments’ greatest concern was the proclamation of Robert I’s legitimacy as king.
• Brown - Takes the view that some had given allegiance to Bruce only as a matter of necessity, their acceptance of him rested on shallow roots.
• Tanner - Takes the view that Bruce resorted to coercion and seal abuse in the two Declarations to expand the image of support he provided.

Question 3

Methods used by Robert to secure kingship - knowledge

Answer 3

• Robert turned his back on traditional warfare and pitched battles after Methven. Guerilla tactics involved swift attacks, that were small scale and always under the Scots control - fought on ground he knew and could prepare in advance, preferring ambushes
• Robert benefited from the death of Edward I in 1307, particularly as Edward II did not provide much support for his followers in Scotland
• Robert was prepared to destroy entire areas to defeat his enemies (herschip of Buchan)
• Robert brought several former enemies into his peace, such as the earl of Ross - prepared to reward supporters, particularly with the redistribution of land

Question 4

Edward II’s failed military campaigns reason for England losing war

Answer 4

• Bruce’s unwillingness led to Lothian Scots (English affiliated) to be raided by Bruce
• unable to impose authority on northern garrisons, had to allow truces
• one abortive expedition to south of Scotland 1310
• such political problems in England that it was hard to focus on Scotland - murder of Galveston
• Ed forced into Bannockburn - Rob promises of disinheriting Sep 1313 and Ed Bruce deal with Sir Ed Phillip Mowbray over Stirling castle

Question 5

International pressure on England reason for Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton

Answer 5

• from 1309, French king more friendly with Robert
• Treaty of Corbel 1326 more favourable terms than Auld Alliance
• mercantile links with Flanders, exporting wool, leather
• Bruce and supporters previously excommunicated in 1319-20 for ignoring Pope’s request for peace, but by 1324, was recognised as king in papal documents

Question 6

Additional hist

Answer 6

• Barrow - Takes the view that by 1314, the north of England was close to exhaustion, devastated and impoverished by Scottish raids.
• Penman - Franco-Scottish Treaty was sufficient threat to Edward II, particularly as it was negotiated while his wife and son were in France, that he had to improve his northern defences in preparation for future attack.