Units 1 + 2

The Succession CrisisJohn and Edward

S3 History class revision

Why there was a problem over the succession of the

Scottish throne in 1286

King Alexander III died suddenly when he fell off his horse at Kinghorn in Fife in 1286.

Guardians had to be appointed to govern Scotland until Margaret was old enough to rule.

Alexander III had no male relatives to take his place as king.

His closest relative was Princess Margaret of Norway who was only 3 years old.

The King of Norway would have to be persuaded to allow his daughter to come to Scotland.

People worried that a women would not be suitable as a ruler – Could not lead an army in battle.

The marriage of Princess Margaret could cause problems – the wrong choice could anger powerful men and lead to war.

Some of the powerful Scottish noblemen thought they had the right to be king.

Fighting might break out over the crown and this could lead to a full-scale civil war in Scotland.

Without a strong leader, Scotland would be in danger of attack from other countries.

Edward I, King of England might try to take advantage of Scotland’s weakness.

The Treaty of Birgham

• The Treaty of Birgham stated that Margaret, maid of Norway (to be Queen of Scots) would marry Edward 1’s son.

• The Treaty stated that Scotland shall remain separate and divided from the kingdom of England.

• The Treaty also stated that Scotland shall keep her rights, laws, freedoms and customs.

• All Scottish parliament must be held in Scotland and nowhere else.

• The ruler of Scotland and the ruler of England shall freely rule there own kingdoms

Why did Edward chose Balliol as king

• He agreed to pay homage to king Edward .• He agreed that Edward was overlord of

Scotland.• Balliol was the nearest heir to Margaret maid of

Norway.• Edward thought he was weak and he could

control him. • Balliol was descended from the eldest daughter

of Earl of Huntingdon

Describe how King Edward crushed the Scottish rebellion of 1296?

• King Edward invaded Scotland with a large army due to john Balliol betraying him and due to the fact that we made a treaty with France so we could fight England with France as England was fighting France at this time.

• The English army attacked Berwick upon tweed after Scotland arrested English merchants. Edward was raged by this because some of them were killed. This is why he came and came and invaded Berwick upon tweed.

• John Balliol led his army to Dunbar as he knew the Scottish army would be no match for the English. More and more castles fell to the English.

• The English army marched further north to capture john Balliol but Balliol decided to give himself up at fife. He got stripped of everything that made him king and got the name ‘Toom Tabard’ empty coat.

• Edward sole the stone of destiny which was used to choose kings in Scotland without this Scotland couldn’t chose a king he also stole all papers that declared Scotland an independent country. He exiled john Balliol to France, he appointed English officials in charge of Scotland lastly he took relatives of important nobles hostage to England.

Edward overlord/terrorist

• Edward ruled over Scotland with vicious brutality .Blackmailed people into doing what he wanted he forced people to obey him and if they rebelled they would be punished. Many people died

• He took hostages as black mail• Put many people in prison • Captured and ruled all the castles • Controlled through the church• Forced people into signing promises of loyalty.

How did Edward control Scotland after the defeat and surrender of John Balliol as King?

Why did Scots resent the English occupation of Scotland in 1296

• Many Scottish nobles were put in prison• Scots were forced to pay heavy taxes to Edward.• Scots did not want fight for Edward in his war against France.• Anyone who refused to swear loyalty to Edward lost their hands or were

executed.• Edward had conquered Scotland and many scots hated being under English rule.• English Officials were greedy and corrupt- the English Treasurer Cressingham was

hated.• English solders were arrogant, brutal and treated the scots badly.• Many Scots wanted John Balliol back on the throne.• Many nobles secretly encouraged resistance to English.• Church Leaders were worried because Edward was trying to take over The

Church of Scotland.

Edward 1