Balliol and Edward I 1292-1296
Balliol and Edward I 1292-1296
John Balliol’s Appointment (1292)
- Upon the demise of Margaret, Maid of Norway, John Balliol was appointed as the King of Scotland by Edward I in 1292.
- Balliol was chosen over Robert Bruce and several other claimants, primarily due to his closer line of succession.
- Edward I orchestrated this appointment, using it to claim his overlordship over Scotland.
Edward I’s Intervention in Scotland (1292-1295)
- Edwards I did not hesitate to intervene in Scotland’s internal matters, further highlighting his assumed overlordship.
- He made demands of military service from Balliol and even judged against him in disputes with his own Scottish subjects.
- Edward’s interventions led to tension, nurturing the grounds for the upcoming Wars of Independence.
Balliol’s Rebellion (1295)
- Frustrated by Edward I’s encroachments, Balliol started to reassert his authority.
- The Scottish nobles formed a council of twelve to advise Balliol, reducing his reliance on Edward I.
- A significant step indicating Balliol’s moves towards independence was the alliance with France in 1295, known as the ‘Auld Alliance’.
First War of Scottish Independence (1296)
- Edward I, viewing Balliol’s rebellion as treachery, initiated the First War of Scottish Independence in 1296.
- Edward I attacked Berwick, leading to a tragic slaughter, then moved to defeat the Scots in the Battle of Dunbar.
- Following these defeats, Balliol was captured, forced to abdicate, and spent the rest of his life in English custody – a period known as the domination of Scotland by Edward I.
Significance of Balliol and Edward I’s Reign (1292-1296)
- This period led to a significant increase in anti-English sentiment in Scotland.
- The events during this period were a prequel to the rise of Scottish figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
- The misfortunes under Balliol’s reign were a direct result of Edward I’s assertion of overlordship, framing the context for the Wars of Independence.