The Civil war - Description of Content - RB

Question 1

Scottish Civil War

Answer 1

King Robert still had to see off the challenge of his Scottish rivals, most notably the Comyns who still sought vengeance for the murder of John (Red) Comyn.

This was important as took the fight to Balliol’s supporters in Galloway in the south-west, leaving King Robert to fight elsewhere.

Question 2

Moray

Answer 2

King Robert spent the winter of 1307-08 attacking Comyn lands which lay in the north and north-east of the country.

This was important as these fortifications were strategically vital - their capture forced the powerful Earl of Ross to come to a truce with the King.

Question 3

The battle of Inverunie

Answer 3

King Robert led his troops against the Comyn forces commanded by the Earl of Buchan at the Battle of Inverurie, near Oldmeldrum.

This was important as it established the dominance of Bruce against his key Scottish enemy the Comyns. It was also important as it added to his growing reputation as a formidable military leader.

Question 4

The battle of Inverunie pt2

Answer 4

The result was a crushing victory for Bruce, after he emerged from his sick-bed to scatter Buchan troops.

This was important as it paved the way for the Herschip of Buchan that followed, which ensured the complete removal of Comyn power in the important northern region of Moray.

Question 5

The hership of Buchan

Answer 5

Bruce completed the defeat of the Comyn/Balliol faction by ordering his forces destroy the entire Earldom of Buchan.

This was important because it nullified the threat of the Comyn family, Bruce’s major enemies in Scotland. This removed a significant obstacle in Bruce’s quest to unite Scotland in support for him.

Question 6

The hership of Buchan pt2

Answer 6

This also freed-up Bruce to defeat the Comyn supporting MacDougall family at the Pass of Brander in 1308 so by 1309, Bruce had united the northern half of the country under his rule.

This was important because It also resulted in new found loyalty amongst nobles, allowing him to extend his military campaign southwards.

Question 7

Support of the scottish church

Answer 7

Most Scottish bishops supported Bruce as they saw him as the best hope of securing the independence of the kingdom which would ensure the independence of the Scottish Church.

This was important because in a time, and a country, that was deeply religious, any legitimate monarch had to have the support of the Church if they were going to have any authority and credibility.

Question 8

Support of the scottish church pt2

Answer 8

There he received his first legitimate recognition of his title by King Philip IV of France whose representative informed Bruce that he was recognised over Balliol.

This was also important because churchmen preached Bruce propaganda thus promoting Bruce’s struggle against his Scottish enemies in the Civil War.