Alexander III and the succession problem 1286-92

Alexander III and the succession problem 1286-92

Alexander III

Alexander III was crowned King of Scots at the young age of eight in 1249.
His reign was marked by a strong and successful rule, managing to maintain independence for Scotland from England.
He oversaw a prosperous and largely peaceful period of Scottish history.

The Event of King’s Death

Alexander III’s death in 1286 plunged Scotland into potential chaos.
He died in a riding accident, leaving no male heir.
His death led to a power vacuum and succession crisis in Scotland.

The Succession Problem

Alexander III’s only surviving child was his grand-daughter, Margaret, the Maid of Norway.
There were thirteen rival claimants to the throne, however, Margaret was declared the rightful heir under the Treaty of Birgham.
Margaret unfortunately died in 1290, on her voyage to Scotland, causing a significant problem for the Scottish leadership.

Choices for Scotland

Scotland had two real options - to find a successor from among the numerous claimants or fall under English overlordship.
The Guardians of Scotland governed the country in the interim.
In an effort to avoid civil war, they asked King Edward I of England to arbitrate between the claims.

Edward I’s Involvement

Edward I saw this as an opportunity to assert English control over Scotland.
He manipulated the situation and demanded that he be recognized as Lord Paramount of Scotland, basically as Scotland’s feudal superior.
When the Scots resisted, this triggered the Wars of Independence which lasted several decades.

Selection of John Balliol

Edward I chose John Balliol as the next king of Scotland, believing him to be the weakest candidate and easiest to manipulate.
John Balliol was king from 1292 until 1296 when he was deposed by Edward I.
This marked the start of the Wars of Independence.