William Wallace And The Scottish Resistance Flashcards
Scottish resistance, 1297–98
The Cressingham Complaint of non-payment of taxes. despite Edward demanding an English-style taxation system, Sir Cressingham noted “not a penny could be raised”. This meant sir cressingham found it difficult to raise taxes due to the lack of support from the Scottish people.
Surrender at Irvine. Bruce, Wishart and the Stewards surrender negotiations in July 1297 tied down a portion of the English army,for a couple of weeks, before they gave themselves up. This selfless act meant Wallace had time to gather strength.
Invasions of Northern England. It is known Wallace led the common army to carry out attacks in Northumberland and Cumberland in late 1297. This meant that after killing the sheriff of Lanark Wallace was continuing to make his statement to the English bold and clear.
the Scot’s used guerilla warefare at the BoSa. It is known they used this tactic to surprise and entrap the English on the bridge. This meant they were able to defeat the larger and more capable English force with their smaller numbers.
Roles of William Wallace and Andrew Murray
Wallace killing the Sheriff of Lanark was important in RoWW+AM. As in May 1297 Heselrig, the sheriff of Lanark was murdered at Lanark Castle as without a sheriff it would be an easier task for Wallace to go unpunished for his actions. This meant a massive blow to the English and more importantly signalled the start of Wallace’s campaign
Murray’s capture of castles in 1297. it is known many key castles in Northern Scotland such as Urquhart, Inverness and Elgin fell to Murray. This meant the English control of the North was significantly weakened.
Wallace’s work as Guardian. Wallace appointed William Lamberton as the new Bishop of St Andrews in November 1297. This meant Wallace’s influence was shown to be prevalent beyond the battlefield through this strong political and leadership based move.
Surviving letters to Lubeck. in late 1297 Wallace was working to re-establish trade links by reporting the war with the English was at an end. This meant Wallace proven himself as a strong leader and guardian of Scotland via international relations.
Victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge
it is known Earl of Surrey was allegedly ill on the morning of the battle. An example of poor English leadership causing confusion and delay . This meant that the situation contributed to Scottish victory due to the English force put on a back foot due to the absence of a leading figure
the Scot’s used guerilla warefare at the BoSa. It is known they used this tactic to surprise and ambush the English on the bridge. This meant they were able to defeat the larger and more capable English force with their smaller numbers.
it is known Wallace and Murray showcased their battle skill. They recognised the River Forth and bridge as a tactical advantage as well as the high viewpoint from Abbey Craig. These advantages meant the Scot’s disallowed the English from having a pitched battle.
Continuing Scottish resistance, 1298–1305
..The attack on English forces at roslin near Edinburgh in February 1303 where it is known the Scot’s ambushed the English. Wallace was suspected to be present just outside roslin. This meant that if Wallace presence was true, this attack served as a reminder of him being at the forefront of the continuing resistance.
…The Scot’s recapture of castles. As in autumn of 1299 Stirling castle was seized by Scottish resistance. This meant that the Scot’s regained the middle ground of what at the time would’ve been considered the strategic key to the north and so continued the resistance.
…The battle of Falkirk. As in July 1298 Edward turned north unexpectedly and surprised Wallace in battle. This meant Wallace was forced to engage in a pitched battle and resulted in a loss therefore showing a setback in continuing Scottish resistance.
The source states “Wallace had left Scotland to gain support for the good of the kingdom” this is useful as it is an accurate representation of continuing Scottish resistance. As it is known Wallace acted as a diplomat for Scotland at French court and to the pope in Rome. This meant Wallace clearly attempted to gather foreign support to further the efforts of the resistance.
The source states “so it was agreed that the bishop of St Andrews should have all the castles in his hands as principal guardian and Robert Bruce and John coming be with him as joint guardians of the kingdom” this is useful as it is an accurate representation of continuing Scottish resistance, with Wallace’s appointed bishop of St Andrews. This meant however that post-William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and John comyn’s role as joint guardians turned into directly over seeing and driving the resistance.
Provenance points
Author
Time (when)
Type (of text, eg. Letter, speech?)
Purpose/why written? (Eg. To inform ______, to warn of ____)
