The Wars of Independence (Scottish History)

Question 1

Evaluate Walter of Guisborough as a historical source.

Answer 1

Walter of Guisborogh was an English Monk, based in Yorkshire.

Pros:
- Monk accounts are meant to be unbiased record of events, therefor more likely to be accurate than accounts from key historical figures

Cons:

• His account of events is second hand (he is not an eye witness) and therefor may not be 100% accurate
• He may have pro-English bias

Question 2

Evaluate Blind Harry as a historical source.

Answer 2

Blind Harry was a Scottish Bard (1470’s). He wrote the epic poem of the life of Wallace.

Cons:

• His account of events are semi-mythological (not necessarily 100% accurate - likely to be romanticised or biased)
• He was not alive during the time the events occurred, meaning his account is likely to he inaccurate

Question 3

Evaluate The Chronicle of Lanercost as a historical source.

Answer 3

The Chronicle of Lanercost is an account of events written by English Monks.

Pros:

• May have first hand experience of Scottish raids
• Monk accounts are meant to be unbiased record of events, therefor more likely to be accurate than accounts from key historical figures

Cons:

• Information is second hand, meaning it may not be 100% accurate
• May be subject to pro-English bias (particularly as Lanercost is near the borders, where the English were subject to Scottish raids - more likely to view Scots in a negative light)

Question 4

Evaluate the usefulness of John of Foudoun as a historical source.

Answer 4

John of Foudoun was a Scottish Monk writing in 1350.

Pros:
- May have had access to some first hand accounts - some of his information may be valid

Cons:

• His information is second hand, meaning it may not be 100% reliable
• He is writing decades after the events took place, information may not be accurate
• May contain pro-Scottish bias

Question 5

Evaluate the usefulness of John Barbour as a historical source.

Answer 5

John Barbour was the author of a biography of Robert the Bruce in 1375.

Cons:

• Secondary information which may be inaccurate
• Written many decades after the events took place meaning less likely to be accurate account
• May be subject to pro-Scottish bias

Question 6

During which period did John Balliol rule Scotland?

Answer 6

Balliol ruled from 1292-96

Question 7

During which period did William Wallace begin his rebellion?

Answer 7

1297 marks the beginning of his rebellion, when he murders an English Sheriff.

1305 he is captured and sentenced to death for treason.

Question 8

During which period did Robert the Bruce lead a successful rebellion against the English?

Answer 8

From 1307, upon his return from being in hiding, Bruce lead a successful rebellion against the English.

The rebellion ended in 1328, when Bruce was officials crowned King of Scotland in The Treaty of Edinburgh.

Question 9

State at least 3 pieces of evidence that demonstrate the relationship between John Balliol and Edward I

Answer 9

The relationship between John Balliol and Edward I:

• Edward establishes his right to oversee Scottish legal cases in the MacDuff Case (1293)
• Edward reverses Balliol’s judgement on the MacDuff Case, humiliating John Balliol and making him appear weak
• Balliol makes alliance with France and Norway, Edwards enemies (1295)
• Following the English victory at the Battle of Dunbar (1296), Edward deprives Balliol of his crown and takes him as an English prisoner

This evidence suggests that the relationship between Balliol and Edward was hostile.

Question 10

Explain the purpose of the Treaty of Birgham (1290)

Answer 10

The Treaty of Birgham was an agreement between Scotland and England, stating the terms under which Prince Edward II of England would eventually rule Scotland.

The treaty stated:

• Margaret, Maid of Norway would be wed to Edward II, of England
• Scotland shall remain separate and divided from the kingdom of England
• Scotlands Government shall remain intact
• Emblems of the Scottish crown shall remain in Scotland
• Election of Scottish Bishops will be freely held by the Scottish Nobility
• Scottish Lords are only required to pay homage in Scotland

Question 11

State 3 reasons why Edward I was chosen by the Scottish Nobility to judge the Great Cause

Answer 11

Edward was asked to judge the Great Cause (1290) because:

• He was well educated and a legal expert
• He was neutral (does not have any connection to Bruce or Balliol)
• He was powerful enough to enforce his judgement, should there be a revolt
• He was viewed as a ‘friendly neighbour’ to the Scots

Question 12

Why did the death of Alexander III create problems for Scotland?

Answer 12

The death of Alexander III created problems for Scotland because:

• He had no male heirs, his only direct heir was Margaret, Maid of Norway (his granddaughter). This was a problem for a number of reasons:
• There was a geographical divide between the Maid and Scotland as she was in Norway at the time of Alexander’s death.
• It was not acceptable for women to fight battles during the middle ages, therefor Margaret could not fully rule without being wed to a husband - creating rivalry over who she marries.
• The Maid of Norway was only three years old at the time of Alexander’s death, meaning she was not old enough to rule.
• As a young child, Margaret was extremely vulnerable. She was at a high risk of death (attacks, illnesses etc.)

Question 13

What was the name of the document signed by the Scottish Nobles after their defeat in 1296?

Answer 13

Following their defeat at the Battle of Dunbar, the Scottish Nobility signed the Ragman’s Roll, confirming their allegiance to England

Question 14

State at least two reasons why the Scots were unhappy with Edwards during 1296-7

Answer 14

Causes of discontent with Edward I’s rule 1296-7:

• There is a general loss of Scottish pride after the humiliating dethroning of John Balliol
• English sheriffs are imposed on the Scots. The Scots feel affronted by their arrogance
• Taxes are increased to pay for Edwards war with France
• Further English rule is imposed - Earl Warenne is appointed as Warden and Hugh Cressingham is appointed as treasurer

Question 15

Explain why the English were at an advantage to the Scottish during the wars of independence.

Answer 15

Reasons for the English being at a millitary advantage to the Scots during the wars of independence:

• England had a far larger population, making it easier to raise taxes to fund wars
• England was generally a richer country and could afford better equipped soldiers; more armoured knights, archers etc.
• Some Scottish Nobles were reluctant to fight against the English because they were afraid of losing their land in England

Question 16

State the main reasons for the Scots victory at Stirling Bridge (1297).

Answer 16

The main reasons for the Scots victory at Stirling Bridge (1297):

• Cressingham assumes this will be an easy win and confidently leads his English forces across the bridge. This then leads to:
• 1) The English forces being unorganised on the narrow bridge and divided in two when the Scots attack.
• 2) The English being unable to retreat as they are cornered against the river and can’t go back over the bridge, which is blocked by their own forces
• 3) Poor positioning of the English archers, who cant fire into the Scots without hitting their own forces

Question 17

What were the most important consequences of the Battle of Stirling Bridge?

Answer 17

Significant consequences of Stirling Bridge:

• The Scots gain Stirling Castle, which serves as a gateway into the North of Scotland
• The Scots morale is boosted as this is the first major victory against the English since Balliols dethroning

Question 18

What was the title of the agreement between Scotland and England, stating the terms under which Prince Edward II of England would eventually rule Scotland with Margaret, Maid of Norway?

State the title and the date was it issued.

Answer 18

The Treaty of Birgham (1290)

Question 19

State 9 reasons for the rise and triumph of Robert Bruce.

Answer 19

Reasons for the rise and triumph of Robert Bruce:

(1306) Bruce is forgiven by Bishop Wishart after the murder of John Comyn and his coronation is arranged - This is important as it shows the Scottish Church supported Robert Bruce
(1307) Edward I falls ill and dies, this gives Bruce a chance to seize many parts of Scotland without significant retaliation from the English, as Edward II is too busy securing his throne to fight the Scots
(1308) Bruce brutally defeats the Comyns at Battle of Inverurie and destroys the land - This is important as it results he removes many of his Scottish enemies and unites Scotland

(1313-14) Bruce moves South and captures and destroys major Castles including Perth, Lithingow, Roxburgh and Edinburgh. This is important as it meant the castles could no longer be held by the English

(1314) The English are defeated at the Battle of Bannockburn. A surprise victory to the Scots thanks to Bruce’s effective positioning and manoeuvring. Bruces tactics generally helped him to gain control over Scotland, taking him one step closer

Question 20

Explain 9 key events on the topic of the succession problem.

Answer 20

The succession problem - 9 key points:

• (1284) Scottish Bishops accept Maid of Norway as Alexander III’s heir
• Alexander III dies (1286)
• (1286) Bruce family seize castles in the South-West in attempt to gain power over Scotland and establish their claim to the throne
• The Treaty of Salisbury (1289) marks the agreement that Margaret will marry Edward II
• The Treaty of Birgham is formed (1290) confirming the terms under which Margaret and Edward II will eventually rule Scotland
• Margaret maid of Norway dies (1290) leaving no rightful heir to the throne
• The Scottish nobility ask Edward to judge ‘the Great Cause’ in order to remove tension between clans Bruce and Balliol
• Norham (1290) Edward establishes his overlordship of Scotland
• Balliol is pronounced king of Scotland in (1292)

Question 21

Give 9 pieces of evidence that explain the relationship between John Balliol and Edward I

Answer 21

The relationship between Balliol and Edward I:

• (1292) Balliol Pays homage to Edward
• The MacDuff Case (1293) Balliol’s judgement is overruled by Edward. Balliol complains in a letter, reminding Edward of the treaty of Birgham. Edward claims this treaty is void.
• Edward demands support from Scotland in his war against France (1294)
• Scotland allies with France and Norway (1295) and Balliol launches several invasions of Northern England
• Edward invades Scotland (1295)
• Edward takes Berwick (1296) devastating Scotland
• (1296) Battle of Dunbar; Edward is victorious and eventually
• (1296) Balliol surrenders and is dethroned
• (1296) The Scottish Nobility swear fealty to Edward in the signing of the Ragman’s Roll

Question 22

State 9 key events in the continuation of Scottish resistance 1297-1305.

Answer 22

The continuation of Scottish resistance:

• Wallace murders Sheriff Lanark (1297) and rebellions break out in other areas of Scotland (Murray in North, Bruce in South)
• Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297) Wallace and Murray are made Gaurdians of Scotland
• Battle of Falkirk (1298) Edward is victorious and Wallace resigns his Gaurdianship
• The Pope issues Scimus Fili (1299) publicly criticising Edward I, who then reases John Balliol
• Balliol retires to France (1301)
• Robert Bruce changes sides (1302)
• England and France make peace (1303) allowing Edward to pursue Scotland
• Robert Bruce and Bishop Lamberton sign a secret pact (1304) pledging support for Bruce’s claim to the throne
• The Ordinance of Scotland (1305) Edward negotiates a peace settlement with Scotland
• Wallace is captured and executed (1305)