The Succession Crisis and Great Cause Flashcards
What century did Alexander III rule Scotland?
Thirteenth.
Who was Alexander III married to initially?
Margaret the sister of Edward I, the English King.
When was Bruce inaugurated?
1306
What family was the most important in Scotland?
Comyn
What is the community of the realm?
Bishops, Earls and Barons who were the political elite of the Kingdom.
What evidence is there of Alexander’s rule being ‘Golden’?
There is evidence that the economy flourished under Alexander III. Berwick became Scotland’s wealthiest burgh, prospering on the export of wool to Europe. Furthermore new buildings were created such as cathedrals and castles, suggesting growing wealth and prosperity.
How many earls were there in Scotland?
13
What does overlordship mean?
If a king became overlord of another King then the vassal or inferior King had to pay homage.
What are the consequences of being the vassal and having to pay homage to your overlord?
You had to provide service in the army, and swear fealty which is an oath of loyalty.
Describe Alexander III’s homage in 1278 to Edward I.
In 1278, Alexander was asked to do homage to Edward I for Tynedale and Penrith, lands he held in England, which he did. Edward then asked him to do homage for the whole of Scotland/His Kingdom and he refused. His response: “No one but God alone has the right to the homage for my Kingdom of Scotland, and I hold it of no one except God alone.”
Describe the Tailzie of 1284.
This was to ensure succession. It was a promise from the political community that they would accept Margaret the Maid of Norway as heir. (the daughter of his late daughter Margaret)
When did Alexander III’s son’s die?
David died in 1281 and Alexander his other son died in 1283. Neither David nor Alexander had any children.
When did Alexander III marry Yolonde?
1285.
What were the problems with having the Maid of Norway as the heir to the thrown?
Margaret was young and female, meaning that she would need a regent to rule for her, she could not lead her own army into battle, own land or property and she would eventually a husband. The choice of these men could prove divisive.
Where and when did the community of the realm meet to discuss the succession problem?
Scone in April 1286.
What happens at Scone 1286?
The political community take an oath to maintain peace. Because there was clearly the prospect of a long minority, with a King or Queen too young to oversee the business of the Kingdom. The political community solution was to elect 6 ‘Guardians’/’wardens’ to govern on behalf of the community of the realm.
Why was there tension in 1286?
There was Bruce versus Balliol family tension. Robert Bruce, Lord of Annandale and John Balliol, heir to the lordship of Galloway both had strong claims to the throne, both men were descendants from David the Earl of Huntingdon, who was a grandson of King David I.
What happened in September 1286, to do with Robert the Bruce?
Bruce supporters gathered at Turnberry Castle.
Why did Bruce gather supporters?
Bruce feared that the guardians were ignoring him and he worried over dominance of the Comyn’s.
Who were Robert Bruce’s supporters?
The Earl of Carrick, James the Steward, John Stewart, Earl of Mentieth, the Earl of Dunbar, Angus Macdonald
What happens in November 1289?
Robert Bruce was invited to join delegation and travel to Sailsbury to meet with Edward I and a Norwegian delegation to discuss the marriage prospects of the 6 year old Maid of Norway.
Describe the Treaty of Sailsbury.
In November 1289 commissioners from Norway, England, and Scotland reached agreement at Salisbury, later confirmed by the Scots at Birgham and ratified at Northampton. The young queen was to be brought to Scotland within a year and was not to be married without Edward I’s consent. But the death of the Maid in September 1290 threw all into confusion. The Treaty of Sailsbury was not an engagement! It was “free of any contract of marriage”. It was simply a promise that Margaret would be sent to Scotland or England by 1st of November 1290. It was hinting at the marriage between the Maid of Norway and Edward I’s son Edward of Caernarfon,
What was the outcome of the Treaty of Sailsbury.
The scots gave Edward I a pretext for intervening in Scottish affairs. Scots wanted to guarantee of sovereignty and independence as if Edward of Caernarfon became King of Scots and King of England he may try to rule on united Kingdom.
What does papal dispensation mean?
The pope had to give consent on the marriage because the Maid of Norway and Edward of Caernarfon were related.
