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During the 13th century Scotland could prevail over England in two wars. William Wallace and Robert the Bruce became national heroes during the First Scottish War of Independence.

 

Video

 

 

Overview

  • Date: 1296 – 1328
  • Location: Scotland, additionally England & Ireland
  • Start: English invasion of Scotland
  • End: Scottish independence through the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton

 

Parties & Persons Involved

  • William Wallace (1270 – 1305)
  • Robert the Bruce (1274 – 1329)
  • Edward I of England (1239 – 1307)

 

Background

  • 19 Mar 1286: King Alexander III dies & his 3 years old grand-daughter Margaret (the Maid of Norway) inherits the throne
  • 26 Sep 1290: Margaret dies on arrival on the Orkney Islands
  • There are in total 13 pretenders to the throne; the strongest are Robert Bruce & John Balliol
  • The Guardians of Scotland ask Edward I of England to mediate the succession
  • 1291: The Guardians & the nobility swear allegiance to Edward as Lord Paramount
  • Aug – Nov 1292: Edward makes John Balliol King of Scots (coronation on 30 Nov)
  • 26 Dec 1292: John swears allegiance to Edward
  • 1294: Edward demands troops for an invasion of France from John Balliol
  • The Scots reject Edward’s demand
  • 1295: Scotland & France form the Auld Alliance

 

History

  • Mar 1296: The English take Berwick
  • Apr 1296: English victory in the Battle of Dunbar
  • Jul 1996: John Balliol resigns
  • Scotland is conquered & the nobility swears allegiance to Edward
  • 1297: William Wallace & Andrew de Moray gather the Scots for a new rebellion
  • Sep 1297: Scottish victory in the Battle of Stirling Bridge
  • Mar 1298: Wallace becomes Guardian of Scotland
  • Jul 1298: English victory in the Battle of Falkirk
  • Robert the Bruce & John Comyn become Guardians
  • 1300 – 1304: Successful English campaigns in Scotland
  • 1304: John Comyn negotiates a truce & the Scottish nobility swears allegiance to Edward
  • 1305: Wallace is executed in London
  • Feb 1306: Robert the Bruce kills John Comyn
  • Mar 1306: Robert the Bruce is crowned King of Scots
  • 1306 – 1314: Robert the Bruce regains control over Scotland after initial difficulties
  • Jun 1314: Scottish victory in the Battle of Bannockburn
  • From 1315: Scottish campaigns in Northern England & Ireland
  • May 1328: The independence of Scotland is guaranteed in the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton

 

Consequences & Impact

  • Direct impact:
    • The Scottish independence is secured
    • The internal stability of Scotland is restored
  • But please note (under the surface):
    • England maintains her claim on Scotland & seeks revenge for the defeat in the Battle of Bannockburn & the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton
    • Revanchism of English allies in Scotland who were dispossessed during the war (the so-called “Disinherited“)
  • (Necessary) Consequence: