Mrs Templeton CDHS
The Scottish Wars
of Independence
Revision Booklet
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Scotland loses independence
Describe what happened to Scotland under Alexander III (5)
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In 1249 Alexander III became the King of Scotland. Alexander III married the
daughter of the English King.
The contact between England and Scotland was secure and this was a time of
peace. King Henry III of England and King Alexander III of Scotland had an
amicable friendship for 15 years.
In 1272 the next King of England was crowned. Alexander III attended the
coronation of the new King Edward I.
Alexander III was proud to be the Scottish King. For example, Alexander III
refused to fight for England and kept his loyalty for Scotland alone.
While relations with England to the south were good, to the north there were
problems with Norway. For example, The Norwegian King Haakon wanted the
Hebrides back.
Battles between Norway and Scotland took place around the islands to the north.
For example, the Battle of Largs.
Describe the events which led to the death of Alexander III
- King Alexander set off from Edinburgh to join with his new wife, Yolande at Kinghorn
in Fife
- He rode on horseback on a stormy night, refusing to listen to anyone who told him not
to go. Some people thought that the weather was so bad that it was the end of the
world
- The squires and two guides went with him, and they took a boat across the firth of
Forth
- The rest of the journey was on horseback but Alexander became separated form his
companions
- the next day Alexander’s body was found lying at the bottom of the cliff. His neck had
been broken.
Explain why the succession of the Maid of Norway caused problems for the Scots?
- all of Alexander’s children were dead. This was a problem because it left Scotland
with no heirs.
- Maid of Norway was only living descendent. This was a problem because she was
female and young which would make Scotland appear weaker to other countries.
- nobles were not enthusiastic about her accession. This was a problem because
Scotland needed the backing of nobles in order to have a strong government.
- she was too young to lead an army. This was a problem because if Scotland were to
fight against any country she would not be able to lead her men.
- she would need to get a husband. This was a problem because the kingdom could be
taken by a foreign husband.
- she was an infant so there would have to be a regency! This was a problem as a
regency may cause feuds between the nobles.
- the Balliols and Bruces thought they should be next in line to the throne, not her. This
was a problem as Scotland was on the verge of civil war.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
- King Edward of England wanted to marry her off to his son. This was a problem as in
the middle ages males were considered more important than females and as a result the
English could take over Scotland due to the marriage.
Describe the Great Cause
- there were 13 men who claimed the throne of Scotland after the maid of norway died,
leaving no immediate heir.
- the bishop of St Andrews asked Edward for help to chose Scotland’s next king
- Edward agreed but at a price. At Norham Castle the competitors agreed to accept
Edward as their overlord.
- The choice became a two horse race between Balliol and Bruce
- Edward eventually chose Balliol as he had the closes family links to his family
- The Bruce family were very angry, and recognized King John reluctantly.
Explain why a crisis developed in Scotland after 1286?
• Death of Alex III leaving no immediate heirs. This led to a crisis because a
new king or queen had to be found and it left Scotland vulnerable to attack.
• Death of heir, Margaret Maid of Norway. This led to a crisis as she was the
only surviving heir and now a new monarch would have to be found leading to
factions and possible civil war.
• Edward I. This led to a crisis because he instigated a crisis as he tried to
subjugate Scotland by claiming he was overlord.
• John Balliol. He helped a crisis develop as he is regarded by historians as a
weak king. He also lost the Battle of Dunbar and was captured and sent to the
tower of London.
• Edward I invaded Scotland. This led to a crisis as Berwick was raided and then
towns and villages were destroyed.
Describe what happened to Scotland after the death of Alexander III
• No obvious heirs apart from made of Norway, who later died
• Bishop Fraser wrote to King Edward, asking King Edward to ask if he would help
choose a new King
• King Edward's men took over the Scottish castles
• King Edward decided that John Balliol should become King.
• King Edward tried to bully John Balliol after he became King.
• King Edward was invaded Scotland.
Describe the treaty of Birgham
- In 1290 Edward signed a deal with Scotland. This was known as the Treaty of Birgham.
- It stated that Margaret the Maid of Norway would marry Edward I’s eldest son and
that the Kingdom of Scotland would remain separate from the Kingdom of England.
- Edward I would respect the borders between England and Scotland and each country
would remain separate.
- Edward agreed that no parliament governing Scotland would be held in England.
Scottish laws, customs, rights and freedoms would be preserved.
- The Scottish church would remain free from interference from the English church.
- It is because Edward agreed to these demands that many historians do not believe he
had any serious desire to pursue his claims of overlordship of Scotland at this time.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Describe the English attack on Berwick
● King John refused to help Edward fight the French and after the Scots attacked
Carlisle, Edward raided Berwick as punishment.
●Berwick was an important burgh on the Scottish/ English border and had been
fought over for centuries.
● English soldiers ravaged the town
● 15000 of people perished including women and children.
● Berwick was burnt to the ground
● Any survivors were forced to leave the town forever.
Describe what happened to Scotland after the raid on Berwick
• The English army continued north and met the Scottish army, led by King John
at Dunbar
• The English then continued north to Edinburgh and Stirling, capturing Castles
along the way
• In July 1296 Balliol handed over his land and people to the King of England
• King John’s crown was removed from his head, the ring pulled off his finger and
the Royal coat off arms ripped from his jacket. He was nicknamed Toom
Tabbard.
• Balliol was taken to prison in the tower of London.
• Edward took the stone of destiny as a final insult to the Scots
• Some men stated to rebel against the English…including William Wallace from
Ayrshire.
Describe the events which led to the defeat and capture of King John Balliol.
- John Balliol and the Scots had made an alliance with France against Edward.
- John Balliol had renounced his homage to King Edward.
- a number of Scots refused to support King John (eg Bruce)
- John Balliol’s men had attacked the north of England
- King Edward had shocked the Scots by destroying Berwick
- King Edward had defeated King John’s army at Dunbar
- King Edward had pursued King John to the north of Scotland
- King John surrendered to King Edward
- King Edward had stripped King John of his title and crown
Explain why John Balliol failed as King of Scots?
- he accepted Edward as overlord. He failed as king of scots because he was not in
sole charge of Scotland
- people thought he was spineless. He failed because he did not stand up for himself
when he was summoned to pay homage to Edward and when Edward undermined his
authority.
- King Edward interfered in the govt of Scotland. This resulted in King John’s failure
as it rendered Balliol weak.
- Balliol refused to join the war in France. This resulted in his failure because he had
angered Edward who would invade Scotland by attacking Berwick.
Balliol signed the Auld alliance. This would lead to his failure as he had effectively
committed treason.
- Many nobles, including the Bruces, did not support Baliol. As a result Balliol failed to
have the backing of all nobles and this contributed to his failure as King.
- King john was defeated by Edward at Dunbar. He failed as king of scots as he was
taken prisoner leaving scotland open to Edward dominance.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
- he also failed as he was forced to surrender. He was taken prisoner and stripped of
his royal coat and crown which obviously led to his failure as king and his downfall.
Describe the methods used by King Edward to take control of Scotland after the
defeat of John Balliol.
- John Balliol was taken prisoner
- important Scottish nobles were taken to England as prisoners
- hostages were taken to England
- oaths of homage were taken form all important Scottish nobles
- Edward too k all records of Scotland to England
- Edward took the Stone of destiny to England symbolising there would be no new Kings
of Scotland.
- Edward appointed Englishmen to important positions in govt
- Edward made Englishmen governors of important Scottish castles
Explain the reasons why was Edward able to interfere in Scottish affairs?
- death of maid of Norway created a problem of succession. This enabled Edward to
interfere as his son was supposed to marry the maid and thus Edward had an
important torle in Scottish affairs.
- disagreements in Scotland. Many nobles did not get on and so this created a good
situation for Edward as it made it easier for him to be overlord
- no- one was sure who the next ruler of Scotland would be- looked to Edward for
advice as one of the most important medieval leaders and also his skills as a
lawyer.
- danger of a civil war in Scotland. This meant Scotland was desperate for a solution
and so the guardians asked Edward for help; he was legally allowed to interfere.
- some Scottish nobles courted Edward’s support. As a result Edward had allies and
was able to interfere and manipulate decisions in scotland.
Why did Scotland lose its independence by 1296?
E- Edward becomes overlordD- Dancing Puppet- Edward pulling the strings
W- War with France- England tells Scotland what to do
A- Auld Alliance- Humiliation for Scotland and Balliol as nobles go against their own
Scottish king. English strings are pulled tighter.
R- Raid on Berwick- massacre of Scots as English army invade Scotland.
D- Dunbar- Scottish army was easily defeated
F- Fleeing Scots – nobles fled but many were captured and killed
I- Imprisonment of King John- john was arrested and put in the tower of London. He was
stripped of his crown and became known as toom tabbard
R- ragman’s Roll- Edward made 1500 important Scots (including the Bruces) sign an oath
of loyalty to Edward- it was called the ragman’s roll.
S- Surrey as Governor- Englishman in charge of Scotland.
T- Took Stone of Destiny- final insult as Scotland loses Stone of Destiny and other
symbols such as the Rood of St Margaret.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Wallace
Explain why the Scots rebelled against the English by 1297.
- anger over subjugation. This meant the socts rebelled in protest
- many did not accept Edward as overlord. This meant they rebelled as their names
were not on the ragman’s roll
- auld alliance- many felt that they could rebel because they had a strong allie who
would support them
-. Many scots including the comyns still believed that balliol was the rightful king. As a
result many rebelled against the English in order to restore(indeed Wallace always
fought in the name of king john)
- many scots had land and castles taken by the English after the battle of dunbar. Also
many were captured and important Scottish nobles were killed. This led to rebellion as
many scots wanted revenge.
- many rebelled by 1297 as they followed Wallace who became their leader. This was a
reason for rebellion as Wallace was given encouragement by bishop wishart who
helped give Wallace an important status as a worthwhile leader which the people
could relate to. wallcae was like a magnet
Describe the Battle of Stirling Bridge
- the Scots positioned themselves high on Abbey Craig
- the English were positioned on the opposite side of the river
- the English had to find a way to cross the river
- the Scots allowed the English to cross at Stirling Bridge
- the Scots waited until many English troops had crossed the bridge.
- the Scots blocked the bridge
- many men were thrown into the water ad drowned.
- the Scots slaughtered the English
- Cressingham was killed.
Why did the Scots win the Battle of Stirling Bridge?
E- English were overconfident
A- Abbey Craig
S- Stirling Bridge
Y- yell of ATTACK from Wallace as the English crossed the river.
W- Wooden bridge collapses
I- increasing numbers of English killed.
N- not many Scottish casualties.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Describe what happened after the Battle of Stirling Bridge
 Andrew Murray was badly wounded in the Battle of Stirling Bridge and died
weeks later of his injuries.
 William Wallace was made 'Guardian of the realm of Scotland.' Wallace's great
military success made him an important man in Scotland, which now declared
itself independent of England.
 The war continued with attacks into the north of England, including Newcastle.
However many nobles refused to join his army, so Wallace's men were mostly
ordinary peasants.
 In 1298, Edward I returned from France to deal with Wallace himself. He moved
his government to York, closer to Scotland, and gathered a great army there.
 There were as many as 20,000 men, including English cavalry, crossbowmen from
Gascony in France, Welsh archers and foot soldiers from Ireland. In July, this
huge army crossed the River Tweed and marched north towards Edinburgh.
 Edward's army could find no food on their route, because Wallace had burned all
the crops.
 Wallace heard about the troubles in Edward's army (Welsh said they may switch
sides) and, on July 21, he led his army forward to meet the English in battle near
Falkirk
Explain the reasons why the Scots lost the Battle of Falkirk?
- Wallace did not have a good position
- the English army outnumbered the Scots
- the English had better weapons than the Scots
- the English had archers!!
- the English army were professional, paid soldiers. Wallace’s army were mostly peasant
fighters
- the nobles, such as Loughlin, fled to leave those on foot exposed to the advancing
English
Describe what Wallace did as guardian of Scotland.
Explain why did Wallace resign as guardian of Scotland?
- defeat at the battle of Falkirk
- blamed the Comyns and other nobles for treachery
- wanted to serve with the ordinary people
- Wallace said that his rivals resented him
- lost support
Why did things get worse for Scotland after 1302?
• Bruce made peace with Edward
• French (auld alliance ) lose war with English
• Pope reduces support for Scotland
• Edward recaptures Stirling Castle
• Wallace is captured, tortured and executed.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Describe the capture and Treatment of William Wallace in 1305.
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William Wallace was declared an outlaw and was captured at Robroyston, near
Glasgow, in August 1305 by Sir John Menteith. Wallace was taken to London
where he was put on trial charged with being an outlaw and a traitor. Wallace
had no lawyers and he wasn't even allowed to speak.
Edward I wanted to destroy Wallace's reputation as a Scottish patriot and hero,
so he accused Wallace of doing terrible things like killing nuns. Wallace denied
being a traitor, saying that he had never been Edward's subject in the first
place. He denied the other crimes he was accused of.
This defence was ignored. He was found guilty and was taken for immediate
execution.
First, he was dragged by horses four miles through the streets of London. Then
he was hanged, but cut down while still alive. Finally, he was disembowelled.
His head was cut off and stuck on a pole on London Bridge. His body was then cut
up into bits and parts of it were sent to Newcastle and different places in
Scotland. This was to warn the Scottish people of what would happen if there
were more rebellions.
Notes
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Bruce
Why did the Scots recognise King Edward’s authority by 1305?
Edward invaded and made an armed progress through Scotland
Edward stayed in Scotland over the winter of 1303-4
Edward punished the Scottish nobles by fines or exile
Edward executed only one person.
Edward captured Stirling Castle
Edward travelled to the north of Scotland which demoralised the Scots
Edward’s long stay also demoralised the Scots
Edward was reasonably lenient in his fines and punishments which won the
Scots over
Edward executed Wallace
Edward issued an Ordinance sharing power between the Scots and the
English.
Why were Bruce and Comyn important to Scotland.
- The Bruces and the Comyns were two powerful families in late thirteenth century Scotland who hated each other.
-The Comyn family were related to King John Balliol through marriage.
-The Comyns supported John Balliol. Robert the Bruce joined the English when the
English fought the Scots.
-Robert the Bruce met with John 'Red' Comyn to decide who would be the next King.
-Robert the Bruce killed John 'Red' Comyn and crowned himself king.
-The English and the Comyns fought King Robert the Bruce.
-Robert won many battles and took control of Scotland.
-The Comyns lost their political power.
Describe the meeting of Bruce and Comyn at Greyfriers Church.
-10 February 1306, Robert the Bruce sent his brothers to the home of John 'Red'
Comyn. They asked him to meet Robert at Greyfriars Church, Dumfries to discuss
their differences.
-The men met at the church and began talking. Both wanted the English troops to
leave Scotland.
-However, during the discussion an argument broke out. Robert reached for his
dagger and stabbed John 'Red' Comyn.
-John's uncle had gone to the meeting to protect his nephew. He leapt forward with
his sword drawn but he was killed, too.
-Robert asked his brothers to make sure that the two men were dead before they
all fled the church.
-Robert the Bruce had killed Red Comyn in a holy church. He was excommunicated by
the Pope for this crime.
-Robert the Bruce was still determined to be King, but King Edward was against him
and now the powerful Comyn family hated him even more.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Why were the Scots divided about supporting Bruce or Balliol in 1306?
- people had fought for King John in 1297 and were reluctant to throw him aside.
- Robert Bruce had no right to the throne
- Bruce had not always supported the Scottish side.
- Balliol had been defeated and discredited.
- Balliol was not in Scotland to lead them
- Robert Bruce was not ‘next in line’ to the throne
- Robert Bruce had alienated the Comyns by killing Red Comyn in a church.
Describe how Robert Bruce became King of Scots
- Scotland did not have a leader
- Bruce had a claim to the Scottish throne through birth
- Bruce had used force to defeat John Balliols supporters
- Bruce murdered Comyn
- Bruce makes himself King of Scotland
Describe how Robert Bruce dealt with Scots who fought against him after 1306.
- murder of Comyn
- attacked his enemies’ property
- willingness to accept them as subjects
- forfeited those to continued to oppose him
- exiled many opponents
Describe how Bruce drove the English out of Scotland between 1307-1314
- guerrilla warfare
- Bruce ambushed groups of English – eg at Glentrool
- Bruce attacked where conditions suited him
- Bruce attacked castles held by the English eg Roxburgh
- Bruce destroyed castles so the English could not move back into them
- Bruce defeated the English at Bannockburn
- Bruce won the support of most Scots by his successes
Why did Robert Bruce destroy castles in Scotland?
- castles could not be defended against new siege weapons
- invaders had nowhere to shelter
- Robert Bruce did not have enough men to defend the castles
- captured castles could be re-occupied by the English and would need re-capturing again
- Scottish rivals could defy Bruce if they castles in which to shelter.
Describe how Bruce was able to secure his crown between 1314- 1328
- Bannockburn
- securing castles such as Kirkcudbright
- calling parliament
- treaty of arbraoth- letter written to pope by nobles- declaration of independence
- treaty of Edinburgh of 1328
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Describe what happened at the Battle of Bannockburn 1314.
- On the 23 June 1314, King Edward II’s army arrived at Bannockburn.
One English knight, Sir Henry De Bohun, saw King Robert on his horse. De Bohun
thought he could end the battle by killing the King so he attacked him, but King
Robert killed De Bohun with an axe.
-Edward II’s cavalry (soldiers on horses) attacked the Scots, but King Robert’s
troops of schiltrons managed to stop them.
-Many English soldiers and their horses were killed and eventually the Scots forced
them back.
-On 24 June 1314, King Edward II’s army attacked again.
-But King Robert’s troops of schiltrons held them back again. Many of Edward II’s
men and horses were killed.
-Edward II ordered archers to fire arrows at the Scots, but Robert sent out
cavalry to attack them.
-The English army began to retreat.
-Nearly all of Edward II's men were killed or taken prisoner.
-Edward II managed to escape and days later he made it to Dunbar castle. He then
got on a ship back to England.
Why did Bruce win the Battle of Bannockburn?
• Bruce chose a good battleground-he set his troops out on a good position on the
high ground. This forced the English knights into the boggy marsh.
• Bruce is said to have made a great speech to stir his men to fight with passion,
pride and bravery .
• Bruce had good tactics using the calthrops and schiltrons.
• Edward II was not a good commander.
• The English Knights and archers were not effective.
• The English were tired
• Bruce had other important other commanders and soldiers to fight for Scotland!
Describe what happened after the battle of Bannockburn.
• Edward II refused to accept defeat.
He wanted to invade Scotland again because he did not think Robert the Bruce
should be the King of Scotland.
• In 1320, some of the nobles who supported Robert the Bruce wrote a letter that
became known as the Declaration of Arbroath.
The declaration said that Scottish people wanted freedom and peace.
• The Pope agreed with the declaration and told Edward II to stop the war against
Scotland.
• Robert the Bruce became the official King
• Scotland gained its independence.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Describe the political state of affairs in Scotland from 1314-1318
There were many events during the period 1314-1318 as Robert tried to establish
himself as King.
• He set out to improve the administration and life of the country despite the
unsettled times. For example, the king summoned senior clergy, his tenants-inchief and officials to attend parliaments to review and create new laws.
• In November 1314 Bruce cemented his Kingship. For example an act was passed
which forced those with lands in both Scotland and England to choose between
loyalty to King Robert or to King Edward. Loyal supporters were rewarded with
grants of land taken from the king's enemies and those who had opposed him.
• Parliament met in 1318 to deal with the choice of a new successor to the throne
after the death of Robert's brother and designated heir, Edward Bruce. They
did not want a repeat of the problems after the death of Alex III
• Bruce’s parliament recorded all their political decisions. The document is known
as the Ayr Manuscript.
• In 1918 a new royal seal was cast. It had a strong French influence- the Scots
wanted to keep the auld alliance with the French.
• The cathedral church of St Andrews was also consecrated in thanksgiving to the
saint for his protection of Scotland's independence. This reinforced the status
of St Andrew as Scotland's patron saint
Describe the Ayr manuscript/ Why important?
The Ayr manuscript included various points such as…..
• The heir to the throne. It was decided that Bruce’s grandson would become the
new King, when Robert died if the King did not have any more children. (Bruce
had a son called David)
• Law and order: Justice for all ‘The lord king wishes and orders that common
law and common justice be done as well to poor people as to rich people according
to the old laws and liberties justly used before these times’
• Law and order: the treatment of conspirators
This law was passed to forbid anyone spreading rumours against the king which
implied that despite the victory at Bannockburn, not all Scots fully supported
Robert I.
• The provision of arms in time of war
The king expected loyalty and support from his subjects. Every man had to
provide arms according to his wealth to serve the king.
• The development of burghs
The king and parliament recognized the need to strengthen the country's
economy. Burghs and royal burghs were granted exclusive trading rights and
privileges to help boost trade and raise revenue from taxes.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Describe the Declaration of Arbroath 1320.
 The nobles of Scotland urged the Pope to see things from a Scottish point of
view and not to recognise the English King as King of Scotland.
 It used strong words, showing the Pope that if he didn't accept Robert the
Bruce as King of Scotland, the wars against the English would continue. The
Declaration warned that it would be the Pope's fault if more people died in the
wars: ‘we believe, be surely laid by the Most High to your charge.’
 The Declaration is beautifully written, with rich language and quotations from
the Bible and classical literature. For example, ‘They journeyed from Greater
Scythia by way of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Pillars of Hercules’
 The document describes Scotland's long history as an independent Christian
kingdom and also talks about the country's sufferings under the aggressive
English kings.
 In one of the most important and famous lines from the Declaration of
Arbroath, the nobles vow never to give in"...as long as but a hundred of us
remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule.
It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,
but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with
life itself."
 It also says that if Robert the Bruce ever surrendered to the English, the
Scottish nobles would choose another Scottish man to be their king.
Why is the Declaration important?
- it is a constitutional document
- it became a blueprint for the US declaration of independence
- it made Scotland different compared to other European countries
- it was a warning to Bruce
- it was a cunning diplomatic letter
- it was a cover up
- it was a big bluff
- it was a declaration of the tyranny of England
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What happened as a result of the Declaration of Arbroath?
The Pope accepted what the Scottish nobles had to say. He demanded that
Edward II come and explain his side of the argument.
The English king refused and the Pope now saw things from the Scottish point of
view and decided that the English king could not claim Scotland as part of his
kingdom.
This led to a peace treaty between Scotland and England known as the Treaty of
Northampton.
The English king gave up all claims to Scotland in 1328.
Robert the Bruce was finally recognised by the Pope as the King and Scotland
gained its independence.
Mrs Templeton CDHS
Notes