The Reign of King John Balliol Flashcards
Was John a bad King?
History portrays John as weak, an English puppet. Perhaps the political community (and certainly Bruce) felt John lacked backbone. Regardless, John reigned for three and a half years.
Did John’s reign end in failure?
Yes it can definitely be said that John’s reign ended in failure and his refusal to return to Scotland or to carry on the fight after 1296 does not speak very highly of his abilities.
Ignoring Edward’s interference, what problems did John have to overcome at the beginning of his reign as King of Scots?
- He was a relatively inexperienced politician
- It is true that he was head of the powerful Balliol clan yet he never believed he would be in such a position
- His three older brothers had all been given much more instruction about ruling a major political family than John and he was personally unprepared for the task ahead
- He had no experience of ruling any land, he was intended by his family to go into the church
- Furthermore Scotland had been without a King for six years, the administrative system of the Kingdom had grown weak and it would take a strong hand to make sure that Royal authority was once again recognised throughout the whole kingdom.
- The Western Isles were rebellious and noblemen believed that John’s selection as the King was the wrong choice.
What happens on the 17th and 19th November 1292
John Balliol is awarded Kingship
Edward orders Scottish Kingdom and castles to be handed to John Balliol
John Balliol swears fealty (loyalty) to Edward I at Norham Castle.
When is Balliol inaugurated?
30th November
Which two of Edward I’s henchmen are included in Bruce’s inauguration?
Anthony Bek (Bishop of Durham) and John de St John, who deputised for the infant Earl of Fife.
Where and when did John Balliol travel to pay homage for his kingdom?
Newcastle, 26th December 1292.
What does John Balliol promise when he does homage for his Kingdom?
He promised aid and support for his overlord against all others (usually means he will aid him in battle)
What legal machination happened on 22nd of December 1292?
A Berwick burgess approached Edward as the superior King because he was unhappy with judgements given against him in the Scottish courts during the guardianship. Edward hears the grievances and he overturned the verdict on the 22nd of December.
Why was the overturn of the verdict on the 22nd of November important?
The overrun of the verdict was important because it went against the Treaty of Birgham Northampton about not hearing Scottish legal cases outside Scotland.
What devastating decision for Scots happened on 30th December 1292?
Edward I declares he will annul the treat of Birgham-Northampton and says the promises pre Balliol are now void. They were only ‘for the time being’ thus were no longer applicable. The guarantee of Scottish independence was threatened.
What was he final seal for the annulment of the Treaty of Birgham-Northampton?
On 2nd Jan Balliol signed a letter accepting that all agreements made in the Treaty of Birgham-Northampton are quashed.
What were the legal issues that followed as a direct consequence of John Balliol agreeing to annul the Treaty of Birgham Northampton?
The issue of legal appeals was a direct consequence of King John agreeing to annul the Treaty of Birgham-Northampton. During Balliol’s brief reign, nine appellants complained to Edwards I about adverse judgements they had received in the Scottish Royal courts. Edward used these appeals as a means of reminding King John of his authority as overlord.
Why was John not in a secure position as King of Scots at home and what was his strategy to fix this.
The Bruce family were still frustrated at the decision not to award the throne to them.
A Scottish King who had neither the support of Edward nor the nobles might find themselves removed sooner rather than later.
John’s strategy was to humour the English King and try to avoid any confrontations at least until he was in a more secure position at home.
What legal case, more than any other, highlighted the weakness of King John’s reign and the determination of Edward to assert his authority in Scotland?
The Macduff case
What did Macduff claim?
Macduff claimed that despite being the uncle of the infant Earl of Fife, he had been unjustly deprived of lands in fife and had been imprisoned for a time by King John.
