King Robert the Bruce of Scotland | Britroyals Name: King Robert the Bruce of Scotland Father: Robert de Brus Mother: Marjory Countess of Carrick Relation to Elizabeth II: 19th great-grandfather House of: Bruce Born: July 11, 1274 at Turnberry Castle, Ayrshire Ascended to the throne: February 10, 1306 aged 31 years Crowned: March 27, 1306 at Scone Abbey, Perthshire Married:(1) Isabella of Mar, 1295 Married:(2) Elizabeth de Burgh, 1302 Children: Marjorie, David, John, Matlida, Margaret plus several illegitimate Died: June 7, 1329, at Cardross, Dumbartonshire, aged 54 years, 10 months, and 26 days Buried at: Dunfermline Abbey (body) and Melrose Abbey (heart) Succeeded by: his son David After Balliol�s abdication in 1296 Scotland was without a monarch for 10 years and ruled remotely by King Edward I of England.

Scots national resistance developed into a war of independence in which William Wallace and then Robert Bruce played a leading role. Wallace won a victory over the English at Stirling Bridge in 1297 and proclaimed himself Guardian of Scotland. The following year Edward invaded Scotland again and defeated William Wallace at Falkirk. Wallace went underground but was captured and in 1305, tried and hung in London. In 1298 Robert Bruce took over the title of Guardian of Scotland and, having killed his rival John Comyn, claimed the throne as the great-great grandson of David I and in 1306 had himself crowned king at Scone as Robert I. Independence was made easier by the death of Edward I as he set out to claim back Scotland. Bruce set about removing the English from Scotland and by early 1314 Stirling was the only castle in English hands. An English army sent to break the siege was routed by Bruce�s smaller Scottish force at Bannockburn in June 1314.

Six year later in 1320 Bruce and the Scottish nobles issued the Declaration of Arbroath asserting Scottish Independence �For as longs as one hundred of us shall remain alive we shall never in any wise consent to submit to the rule of the English, for it is not for glory that we fight � but for freedom alone.�. However, a truce with Edward II of England failed to stop hostilities which continued until Edward II was deposed in 1327. The Treaty of Edinburgh between Robert I and Edward III in 1328 recognised Scotland's independence, ending the 30 years of Wars of Independence. Edward agreed to the marriage of Robert Bruce�s son David to his younger sister Joan daughter of Edward II. Robert Bruce died at his house in Cardross a year later of a serious illness described by some as leprosy. Timeline for King Robert the Bruce of Scotland Year Tomb of Edward II of England, Gloucester Cathedral | Flickr Brownie Bear By: Brownie Bear Tomb of Edward II of England, Gloucester Cathedral As a work of sculpture this tomb is important. It was erected during the 14th century and is one of the earliest tombs made by Alabaster.

King Edward II was King of England from 1307 to 1327. The way in which Edward II and Edward I are remembered is influcenced by whether you are considering them from an English or Scottish perspective. Edward II's father - Edward I invaded Wales from 1272. This invasion was successful and having secured English rule by the mid-1280's attention was then turned to repeat the exercise with Scotland. This was not so successful as the occupying forces met with resistence lead by William Wallace (who galvanised southern Scotland) and the less well remembered Andrew Moray (who galvanised northern Scotland). Moray was killed during the Battle of Stirling Bridge on 11th September 1297 leaving Wallace as the sole Guardian of Scotland. Wallace was defeated at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. However, he continued to lead guerilla resistance until he was eventually captured and taken to London. Wallace was hung,drawn and quartered by Edward I in 1305 - in an attempt to quell resistance. In reality it merely served to fan the flames even further.

In 1306 Robert the Bruce was crowned Robert I, King of Scots (1306-1329). Robert I lead the Scottish forces to victory over Edward II's English forces at Bannockburn in 1314. This victory re-asserted Scotland's independence and brought an end to the English occupation. Scotland remained an independent nation until 1707 when England and Scotland united to form Great Britian. Done Robert the Bruce Robert the Bruce ▼ Primary Sources ▼ Robert the Bruce Robert the Bruce was born in Turnberry, Scotland , in 1274. He inherited the title Earl of Carrick and in 1296 swore fealty to Edward I . However, in 1297 he joined the Scottish revolt under William Wallace and was appointed one of the four guardians of Scotland. In 1306 Bruce was crowned king of Scotland. After being defeated by the English army at Methven in 1306 he was forced to flee to Raithlin Island off the north coast of Ireland . Bruce returned to Scotland and defeated an English army at Loudoun in May 1307.

Two years later Bruce was strong enough to hold his first parliament at St. Andrews. A series of military victories between 1310 and 1314 won Bruce control of northern Scotland. He also captured the castles of Edinburgh and Roxburgh. In the summer Bruce besieged Stirling Castle. Stirling was the last castle still left in English control, and Edward II decided that every effort should be made to stop it being captured by Bruce. Edward therefore decided to take the largest army that had ever left England, to save the castle. Scotland's army was not only outnumbered but lacked the experience of Edward's troops. Edward also had a large number of armoured knights and longbowmen , the two most effective forces in medieval warfare. Bruce, on the other hand, had very few of either and instead had to rely heavily on spearmen. Bruce made no attempt to stop Edward's large army from entering Scotland. He decided that his best hope was to force the English to fight on territory that best suited his limited resources. Bruce chose a site only two and half miles south of Stirling, by a stream called Bannockburn .

The Scots took the high ground and, if the English were to attack, they had to advance on a narrow front between marshland and a thick wood. The English advance guard arrived at Bannockburn on the 23rd June. Sir Henry Bohun, the leader of the English party, recognised Robert Bruce. After fixing his lance, Bohun charged the Scottish king. Bruce darted out of the way of the lance and killed Bohun with a blow from his axe. The main English army arrived on 24th June. Gilbert, 10th Earl de Clare , who had brought 500 of his own knights with him, advised Edward to allow the men to rest for a day. Edward disagreed and accused Gilbert of being afraid of the Scots. Gilbert was stung by these comments and immediately ordered his men to attack. Gilbert gallantly led the charge but his horse was cut down and while he was on the ground he was killed by Scottish spearmen. However, while the English knights were assembling, Scottish spearmen, who had been hiding in the woodland, launched an attack. The English knights, still not organised into battle order, were forced to retreat.

The English archers were called forward but before they could take effective action they were charged by the Scottish knights. After large numbers were killed the archers were also forced to retreat. Edward now decided to use his knights to charge the Scottish position at the top of the hill. As the English knights were forced to attack on a narrow front, the Scottish spearmen were able to block their advance. English archers tried to help, but as both armies were crushed together their arrows were just as likely to hit their own men as the Scots. Suddenly, English soldiers started to turn and run. Others followed and soon the English army was in retreat. The Scots charged after them. Many of the English knights were able to escape but those without horses, such as the spearmen and archers, suffered very heavy casualties. The battle of Bannockburn was the worst defeat in English history. While what was left of the English army tried to get back home, the Scots were able to take Stirling Castle. Bruce was now able to launch attacks on northern England and Berwick was captured in 1318.

The Declaration of Arbroath was issued in 1320 and three years later Pope John XXII recognised Robert the Bruce as king of Scotland. Robert the Bruce took advantage of the accession of the young Edward III to force the English monarchy to accept the Treaty of Northampton which secured Scottish independence. Robert the Bruce died in 1329. Bannockburn – Robert the Bruce | SCOTTISH TOURIST Bannockburn – Robert the Bruce Go to top In February 1306 following an argument during their meeting at Greyfriars monastery, Dumfries, Bruce killed Comyn. He was excommunicated by the Pope, but absolved by Robert Wishart, Bishop of Glasgow. Robert moved quickly to seize the throne and was crowned king of Scots on 25 March 1306, at Scone. Edward I’s forces defeated Robert in battle and he was forced to flee into hiding in the Hebrides and Ireland, before returning in 1307 to defeat an English army at Loudoun Hill and wage a highly successful guerrilla war against the English. Robert defeated the Comyns and his other Scots enemies, destroying their strongholds and devastating their lands from Buchan to Galloway.

In 1309 he was able to hold his first parliament at St Andrews, and a series of military victories between 1310 and 1314 won him control of much of Scotland. try try try again According to a legend, at some point while he was on the run during the winter of 1306–07, Bruce hid in a cave on Rathlin Island off the north coast of Ireland, where he observed a spider spinning a web, trying to make a connection from one area of the cave’s roof to another. Each time the spider failed, it began again until it succeeded. Inspired by this, Bruce returned to inflict a series of defeats on the English, thus winning him more supporters and eventual victory. The story serves to illustrate the maxim: “if at first you don’t succeed, try try try again.” Other versions have Bruce in a small house watching the spider try to make its connection between two roof beams; or, defeated for the seventh time by the English, watching the spider make its attempt seven times, succeeding on the eighth try. Most medieval battles were short-lived, lasting only a few hours, therefore the Battle of Bannockburn is unusual in that it lasted for two days.

On 23 June 1314 two of the English cavalry formations advanced, the first was under the Earl of Gloucester and the Earl of Hereford. They encountered a body of Scots and among them was Robert the Bruce himself. A celebrated single combat then took place between Bruce and Henry de Bohun who was the nephew of the Earl of Hereford. Bohun charged at Bruce and when the two passed side by side, Bruce split Bohun’s head with his axe. The Scots then rushed upon the English under Gloucester and Hereford who struggled back over the Bannockburn. The second English cavalry force was under Robert Clifford and they advanced on the flank of the Scots, coming up against the schiltrom that was commanded by Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray but the English withdrew in confusion, unable to break the Scottish formation. In the Year of our Lord 1314, Patriots of Scotland – starving and outnumbered – charged the fields of Bannockburn. They fought like warrior poets; they fought like Scotsmen, and won their freedom. Under nightfall the English forces crossed the stream that is known as the Bannock Burn, establishing their position on the plain beyond it.

A Scottish knight, Alexander Seton, who was fighting in the service of Edward II of England deserted the English camp and went and told Bruce of the low English morale, encouraging Bruce to attack them. In the morning the Scots then advanced from New Park. The English archers should have been able to counter this advance but they were neutralized by a Scottish cavalry charge led by Sir Robert Keith. The English responded to the Scots advance with a charge of their own led by the Earl of Gloucester, however Gloucester had argued with the Earl of Hereford over who should lead the vanguard into battle, and argued with the king that the battle should be postponed, thus the king accused him of cowardice, which perhaps goaded Gloucester into the charge. Few accompanied Gloucester in his charge and when he reached the Scottish lines he was quickly surrounded and killed. Gradually the English were pushed back and ground down by the Scots’ schiltrons. An attempt to employ the English and Welsh longbowmen to shoot at the advancing Scots from their flank failed when they were dispersed by the Scottish 500-horse light cavalry under the Marischal Sir Robert Keith The English cavalry was hemmed in making it difficult for them to maneuver.

As a result the English were unable to hold their formations and broke ranks. It soon became clear that the English had lost and Edward II needed to be led to safety. However one of Edward’s knights, Giles de Argentine, declared that he was not accustomed to flee and made one final charge on the Scots, only to die on their spears. Robert the Bruce | Biography & Facts | Britannica.com Charles II Robert the Bruce, original name Robert VIII de Bruce, also called Robert I (born July 11, 1274—died June 7, 1329, Cardross, Dumbartonshire, Scotland ), king of Scotland (1306–29), who freed Scotland from English rule , winning the decisive Battle of Bannockburn (1314) and ultimately confirming Scottish independence in the Treaty of Northampton (1328). Robert the Bruce, coloured engraving by an unknown artist, 1797.

The Granger Collection, New York Background and early life The Anglo-Norman family of Bruce , which had come to Scotland in the early 12th century, was related by marriage to the Scottish royal family, and hence the sixth Robert de Bruce (died 1295), grandfather of the future king, claimed the throne when it was left vacant in 1290. The English king Edward I claimed feudal superiority over the Scots and awarded the crown to John de Balliol instead. The eighth Robert de Bruce was born in 1274. His father, the seventh Robert de Bruce (died 1304), resigned the title of earl of Carrick in his favour in 1292, but little else is known of his career until 1306. In the confused period of rebellions against English rule from 1295 to 1304 he appears at one time among the leading supporters of the rebel William Wallace, but later apparently regained Edward I’s confidence. There is nothing at this period to suggest that he was soon to become the Scottish leader in a war of independence against Edward’s attempt to govern Scotland directly.

The decisive event was the murder of John (“the Red”) Comyn in the Franciscan church at Dumfries on February 10, 1306, either by Bruce or his followers. Comyn, a nephew of John de Balliol , was a possible rival for the crown, and Bruce’s actions suggest that he had already decided to seize the throne. He hastened to Scone and was crowned on March 25. King of Scots The new king’s position was very difficult. Edward I, whose garrisons held many of the important castles in Scotland, regarded him as a traitor and made every effort to crush a movement that he treated as a rebellion. King Robert was twice defeated in 1306, at Methven, near Perth , on June 19, and at Dalry, near Tyndrum, Perthshire, on August 11. His wife and many of his supporters were captured, and three of his brothers executed. Robert himself became a fugitive, hiding on the remote island of Rathlin off the north Irish coast.

It was during this period, with his fortunes at low ebb, that he is supposed to have derived hope and patience from watching a spider perseveringly weaving its web. Britannica Stories EU Considers Rules For Robots In February 1307 he returned to Ayrshire . His main supporter at first was his only surviving brother, Edward, but in the next few years he attracted a number of others. Robert himself defeated John Comyn, earl of Buchan (a cousin of the slain John “the Red”), and in 1313 captured Perth, which had been in the hands of an English garrison. Much of the fighting, however, was done by Robert’s supporters, notably James Douglas and Thomas Randolph , later earl of Moray , who progressively conquered Galloway , Douglasdale, the forest of Selkirk and most of the eastern borders, and finally, in 1314, Edinburgh . During these years the king was helped by the support of some of the leading Scottish churchmen and also by the death of Edward I in 1307 and the ineptness of his successor, Edward II .

The test came in 1314 when a large English army attempted to relieve the garrison of Stirling. Its defeat at Bannockburn on June 24 marked the triumph of Robert I . Consolidation of power British Culture and Politics Almost the whole of the rest of his reign had passed before he forced the English government to recognize his position. Berwick was captured in 1318, and there were repeated raids into the north of England, which inflicted great damage. Eventually, after the deposition of Edward II (1327), Edward III’s regency government decided to make peace by the Treaty of Northampton (1328) on terms that included the recognition of Robert I’s title as king of Scots and the abandonment of all English claims to overlordship. Robert’s main energies in the years after 1314, however, were devoted to settling the affairs of his kingdom. Until the birth of the future king David II in 1324 he had no male heir, and two statutes, in 1315 and 1318, were concerned with the succession.

In addition, a parliament in 1314 decreed that all who remained in the allegiance of the English should forfeit their lands; this decree provided the means to reward supporters, and there are many charters regranting the lands so forfeited. Sometimes these grants proved dangerous, for the king’s chief supporters became enormously powerful. James Douglas , knighted at Bannockburn, acquired important lands in the counties of Selkirk and Roxburgh that became the nucleus of the later power of the Douglas family on the borders. Robert I also had to restart the processes of royal government, for administration had been more or less in abeyance since 1296. By the end of the reign the system of exchequer audits was again functioning, and to this period belongs the earliest surviving roll of the register of the great seal. Britannica Lists & Quizzes Editor Picks: Exploring 10 Types of Basketball Movies In the last years of his life, Robert I suffered from ill health and spent most of this time at Cardross, Dumbartonshire, where he died, possibly of leprosy .

His body was buried in Dunfermline Abbey, but the heart was removed on his instructions and taken by Sir James Douglas on crusade in Spain. Douglas was killed, but it appears that the heart was recovered and brought back for burial, as the king had intended, at Melrose Abbey. In 1921 a cone-shaped casket containing a heart was uncovered during excavations at the abbey, reburied at that time, and reexcavated in 1996. (Heart burial was relatively common among royalty and the aristocracy , however, and there is no specific evidence that this casket is the king’s.) In later times Robert I came to be revered as one of the heroes of Scottish national sentiment and legend . Scottish History — The Official Gateway to Scotland The Scottish Government Scottish History The history of Scotland is fascinating and complex; there are Roman soldiers, Vikings, noble clansmen, powerful ruling monarchs and even enlightened philosophers. Scotland has experienced extraordinary growth and change during the course of its lifetime - it’s a place that has been invaded and settled many times and that has made mighty contributions to culture and society.

Explore thousands of years of people and events with our timeline that highlights some of the most significant moments in Scotland’s fascinating history. The birth of Scotland 10,000 BC The Palaeolithic Era The period of earliest known occupation of Scotland by man is from the Palaeolithic era – also known as the Stone Age. Hunter-gatherers hunted for fish and wild animals and gathered fruit, nuts, plants, roots and shells. | 3,000 BC Neolithic Age The earliest prehistoric tools found still surviving in Scotland date from 3000 BC – during the Neolithic age Scotland was home to nomadic hunter-gatherers as well as the first farmers who built permanent dwellings. The remains of domestic and ritual buildings from this time make up The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site. Visit UNESCO for more information. | 124 AD The Roman Empire Scotland’s recorded history began with the arrival of the Roman Empire. Despite building two impressive fortifications – Hadrian’s Wall to defend the northern border, and the Antonine Wall across Central Scotland to advance it forward – the Romans never truly conquered Caledonia.

Unable to defeat the Caledonians and Picts, the Romans eventually withdrew and over time retreated away from Britain. Much of the 60km Antonine Wall survives and it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site, one of six in Scotland, since 2004. | 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge A succession crisis brought unrest to Scotland after the death of Alexander III. England’s monarch, Edward I, believed he should be recognised as overlord of Scotland and his troops marched north in a series of bloody sieges. In 1297, Edward’s army planned to cross the River Forth at Stirling Bridge; the Scots seized the opportunity to attack at the crossing of the River Forth, the Stirling Bridge, forcing the English army to retreat. It was here one of Scotland’s most famous figures, William Wallace, earned his place in the history books forever. | 1306 Robert the Bruce crowned king of Scotland Unrest continued into the 14th century when Robert the Bruce took the throne and was crowned king.

Fighting continued until 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce and his army defeated Edward II, a major turning point in his rule. | 1320 The Declaration of Arbroath A letter written in Latin, signed by Scottish Barons and Nobles, and sent to Pope John XXII, the Declaration proclaimed Scotland’s status as an independent sovereign state. Though its effect was largely symbolic, the powerful declaration remains an important document in Scottish history – many historians believe it inspired America’s founding fathers to write the United States Declaration of Independence. For more information visit the National Archives of Scotland. | The Union of the Crowns 1450 Renaissance in Scotland The cultural, intellectual and artistic movement that took hold around Europe brought significant changes to Scotland; education, intellectual life, literature, art, architecture, music and politics all advanced in the late 15th century. | 1542 Mary Queen of Scots Mary, newly born at Linlithgow Palace, was just six days old when her father, James V, died and she was crowned Queen of Scots. Her reign was marked by Catholic-Protestant conflict and civil unrest in a period known as the ‘rough wooing’.

In England, worried about the possibility of a Catholic plot against her, Elizabeth I imprisoned Mary and later, after almost 19 years of captivity, had her executed at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire in 1567 at the age of 44. | 1746 Highland Clearances Shortly after the defeat of the Jacobites at Culloden, a period known as the Highland Clearances began. A number of laws were introduced in an attempt to assimilate the Highlanders; speaking Gaelic and wearing traditional tartan attire was banned, and clan chiefs had their rights to jurisdiction removed. | 1750 onwards The Age of Enlightenment The ideas from philosophers living in Scotland during The Age of Enlightenment shaped the modern world. The intellectual movement sought to understand the natural world and the human mind and ranged across philosophy, chemistry, geology, engineering, technology, poetry, medicine, economics and history. Figures like Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, Adam Smith, Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott are still celebrated for their achievements.

| 1800 Urban and Industrial Scotland Industrial advances and wealth accumulated from the trade of tobacco, sugar and cotton bring about the dawn of urban Scotland at the turn of the 19th century. The country shifted from rural to urban, and huge towns, massive factories and heavy industry took hold. Mining, shipbuilding and textiles were very important to Scotland’s development during this time. | The 20th Century and Beyond 1914 First World War Scottish soldiers played a significant role in the First World War and Glasgow’s Clyde side was an important centre during the war as well – products from the shipyards, steel works and iron foundaries were vital to the war effort. | Scottish History Timeline | Britroyals 1034 - Duncan I succeeds to the Scottish throne 1040 - Duncan is killed in a civil war.

His cousin, Macbeth, succeeds 1040 - Macbeth becomes king 1050 - Macbeth goes on a pilgrimage to Rome 1054 - Macbeth�s forces defeated at Dunsinane by a combined army of English, Norse and lowland Scots under Siward Earl of Northumberland 1057 - Macbeth is slain at the Battle of Lumphanan by Malcolm, son of Duncan I 1057 - Lulach, Macbeth's stepson, ascended the throne and was crowned at Scone 1058 - King Lulach killed by Malcolm III at Essie, Strathbogie Malcolm III ( 1058 - 1093 ) 1058 - Malcolm III (Canmore) crowned 1069 - Malcolms married his 2nd wife Margaret of Wessex daughter Edgar the Aetheling who had been deposed by William I the Conqueror 1070 - Malcolm attacks Northumbria and Cumbria intent on expanding his kingdom into northern England.

1091 - The Norman forces of King William II of England advance North and capture Carlisle and Cumbria 1092 - At Abernethy Malcolm is forced to submit to the Normans who take his son Duncan and brother-in-law Edgar Aetheling as hostages 1093 - Malcolm invades England but is killed at the Battle of Alnwick. He is succeeded by his brother Donald II (Donald Blane) Donald III ( 1093 - 1094 ) 1093 - Donald III (Donald Bane) become king 1094 - Donald Bane is driven out by Duncan, Malcolm's III's son, who becomes Duncan II. He is killed a few months later at the Battle of Monthechin, Kincardine, and Donald Bane returns 1094 - Donald III regains the throne and jointly rules with Edmund. 1097 - Donald is overthrown, blinded and imprisoned by Edgar. Edmund flees to Montecute Abbey in Somerset.

1097 - Edgar deposes his uncle Donald and brother Edmund and becomes king 1098 - Edgar cedes the Western Isles to Magnus Barefoot 1100 - Edith known as Matilda, daughter of Malcolm III of Scotland, marries King Henry I of England. 1107 - Edgar dies and is succeeded by his younger brother, Alexander I 1107 - Alexander I become king 1114 - Alexander aids Henry I in his Welsh campaigns 1124 - Alexander dies and is succeeded by David I David I ( 1124 - 1153 ) 1124 - David I becomes king and introduces the feudal system of landholding to much of Scotland. 1138 - David I of Scotland invades England in support of his niece, Matilda wife of King Stephen of England, but is defeated at the Battle of the Standard in Yorkshire. 1139 - Treaty of Durham in which David I is recognised as King of an independent Scotland by King Stephen of England.

1153 - David I dies and is succeeded by his grandson Malcolm IV Malcolm IV ( 1153 - 1165 ) 1153 - Malcolm IV becomes king 1156 - Somerled defeats the Norse King of Mann and the Isles establishing his own semi-independent rule as Innse Gall - King of the Hebrides. 1157 - Henry II of England takes back lands in Northern England granted to David I. The border is fixed at the Solway and Tweed very close to where it is today. 1164 - Somerled is defeated by the Scottish crown in the Battle of Renfrew. 1165 - Malcolm IV dies at Jedburgh Castle and is succeeded by his brother, William the Lion Wlliam I, The Lion ( 1165 - 1214 ) 1165 - William the Lion become king 1173 - William the Lion invades England but is captured by Henry II at Alnwick and forced to surrender Scottish independence 1174 - William I signs the Treaty of Falaise in which he swears allegiance to Henry II of England.

1185 - William pays Richard I of England money to finance his crusades to the Holy Land. 1189 - Scotland is recognized as independent by Richard I of England 1192 - The Pope decress that the Scottish Church is answerable directly to him and not through the English Archbishop of York. Alexander II ( 1214 - 1249 ) 1214 - Accession of Alexander II, son of William the Lion 1216 - Alexander joins the barons of England against King John. A Scottish army marches to Dover and joins Prince Louis of France who captures the Tower of London before being driven back in 1217 1217 - Peace treaty with England guarantees peace for almost 20 years 1221 - Alexander marries Joan daughter of King John of England 1233 - Building of Glasgow cathedral starts 1234 - Galloway's independent existence ends with the death of Alan Lord of Galloway. 1235 - First Scottish Parliament known as the Three Estates meets at Kirkliston 1237 - Southern border of Scotland established in the Treaty of York.

1249 - Alexander launches an expedition to gain the Western Isles but dies on Isle of Kerrara, Oban Bay, before the expedition sets sail. He is succeeded by his son, Alexander III 1249 - Alexander III becomes king and is crowned on the Stone of Destiny 1263 - Alexander III defeats Viking army at the Battle of Largs 1263 - King Haakon of Norway (which at that time included Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles) dies on Orkney 1266 - Norway cedes the Western Isles to Scotland in the Treaty of Perth. 1282 - Devorgilla, Countess of Galloway, mother of John Balliol, founds Balliol College, Oxford. 1286 - Alexander dies in riding accident leaving the throne to his four-year-old granddaughter, Margaret Margaret, Maid of Norway ( 1286 - 1290 ) 1286 - Margaret, Maid of Norway, inherits the throne from her grandfather Alexander 1290 - Margaret dies in the Orkneys en route from Norway to Scotland.

Edward I of England is asked to select a successor 1291 - Claimants to the Scottish throne met King Edward I of England at Norham on Tweed to resolve succession 1292 - Edward I of England grants the Scottish throne to John Balliol. 1295 - Treaty between King John Balliol of Scotland and King Philippe IV of France which promised mutual help against the English - the start of the "Auld Alliance". 1296 - Edward invades Scotland, defeats the Scots at Dunbar and deposes Balliol. He then takes over the throne of Scotland and removes the Stone of Scone to Westminster. 1296 - - 1306 Interregnum period with no Scottish monarch and rule by Edward I of England. 1297 - Andrew de Moray and William Wallace lead the Scots to victory over England at Stirling Bridge.

1298 - Edward invades Scotland again and defeats William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk 1303 - France and England make peace, releasing forces to attack Scotland 1304 - Stirling Castle, the last of the Scottish castles to be captured by Edward I 1305 - Wallace is captured and taken to London, where he is tried for treason, and hanged, drawn, and quartered 1306 - Robert Bruce is crowned king at Scone but is driven into hiding by the English occupation army of Edward I 1307 - Edward I sets out to invade Scotland but dies on his way north. Bruce begins campaign to drive the English out of Scotland 1307 - English forces defeated by Bruce at Loudon Hill 1309 - King Robert the Bruce convenes his first parliament, at St Andrew 1311 - The Scots plunder the North of England 1314 - Bruce besieges Stirling Castle. An English army sent to break the siege is routed at the Battle of Bannockburn 1318 - Robert the Bruce captures Berwick on Tweed.

1320 - Nobles assert Scottish independence in the Declaration of Arbroath. 1323 - Truce between Bruce and Edward II fails to stop warfare between the two countries 1328 - Treaty of Edinburgh between King Robert I and Edward III which recognised Scotland's independence, ending the 30 years of Wars of Independence. 1329 - Robert the Bruce dies at Cardross Castle possibly of leprosy. 1329 - David II succeeds to the Scottish throne on the death of his father, Robert Bruce 1331 - David II (aged 7) crowned at Scone 1332 - Edward Balliol, son of John Balliol, invades Scotland and deposes David II. Edward Balliol is crowned King of Scotland by the English 1333 - David is restored to the throne. 1333 - Balliol flees to England but returns when Edward III of England invades Scotland and defeats the Scots at Halidon Hill. King David II goes into exile in France. 1341 - Edinburgh Castle captured from the English. David returns from exile. 1346 - David II invades England but is defeated at Neville�s Cross and captured.

He is taken to the Tower of London, where he is imprisoned for the next 11 years 1350 - Scotland suffers from the Black Death. Up to a quarter of the population die. 1356 - Edward III devastates the Lothian region in a campaign known as 'The Burnt Candlemas' 1357 - David II is released from captivity and returns home to Scotland. 1371 - Death of David II. He is succeeded by his nephew, Robert Stewart, the first Stewart King of Scotland. Robert, the hereditary High Steward of Scotland and grandson of Robert Bruce, is crowned Robert II ( 1371 - 1390 ) 1371 - Robert Stewart, the first Stewart King of Scotland becomes king 1384 - Truce is arranged between England, Scotland, and France. Scotland refuses to recognize truce. Anglo Scottish war resumes 1388 - Battle of Otterburn in which Scots defeat Henry Percy (Harry Hotspur) 1390 - Robert II dies and is succeeded by his son John, who becomes Robert III. 1390 - Robert III becomes king.

He delegates power to his younger brother, the Earl of Fife, later the Duke of Albany 1402 - English defeat Scots in the Battle of Nesbit Moor and the Battle of Humbleton Hill. 1406 - Robert II is disabled in a riding accident and his eldest son is killed by the Duke of Albany. Robert sends his second son to James to France but he is captured by English near Flamborough Head. James is taken to London, where Henry IV of England confines 1406 - King Robert III dies and James I ascended the throne but was not crowned until 1424 as he was a prisoner of the English. 1406 - James I succeeds to the throne but remains imprisoned in England 1413 - Foundation of the University of St Andrews. 1423 - Treaty of London, releasing James I from his years captivity in England 1437 - Assassination of James I.

He is succeeded by his son, James II James II ( 1437 - 1460 ) 1437 - James II becomes king aged 6 years 1440 - Regents Douglas and Livingston struggle for power culminating in the 'Blach Dinner' at Edinburgh Castle during which William 6th Earl of Douglas was dragged out and executed. 1449 - James marries Mary of Gueldres, niece of the Duke of Burgundy 1451 - Establishment of the University of Glasgow. 1457 - James II decrees that football and golf are banned to encourage archery practice 1460 - King James II killed by an exploding cannon at the siege of Roxburgh Castle 1460 - James III becomes king at 8 years old 1472 - Denmark cedes Orkney and Shetland to Scotland. 1482 - Berwick on Tweed finally ceded to King Edward IV of England after changing hands 12 times 1488 - Battle of Sauchieburn, and the assassination of James III.

He is succeeded by his son, James IV 1488 - James IV becomes king 1493 - Lordship of the Isles abolished. In 1540 the title was reserved to the crown. 1495 - Creation of the University of Aberdeen (King's College). 1496 - Education Act of 1496 makes education compulsory for barons and wealthy landowners. 1497 - Chair of Medicine established at Aberdeen University. 1502 - Marriage contract between James IV and Margaret Tudor signed by King James 1503 - King James IV marries Margaret Tudor, daughter of King Henry VII of England. The marriage was known as the Union of the Thistle and the Rose. 1507 - First printing press in Scotland is set up by Andrew Myllar 1513 - James IV invades England to support his French allies after the English king, Henry VIII, invades France.

James and most of the Scottish nobility and clergy are slaughtered by the English army at the Battle of Flodden Field 1513 - The infant James V becomes king 1528 - Patrick Hamilton Protestant reformer is burned at the stake for heresy 1532 - Creation of the College of Justice and the Court of Session. 1542 - James invades England but is defeated at the Battle of Solway Moss and dies a few weeks later. His daughter, the one-week-old Mary, succeeds Mary Queen of Scots ( 1542 - 1567 ) 1542 - One-week-old Mary, succeeds to the throne on the death of her father James V 1543 - At the Treaty of Greenwich Mary is betrothed to Prince Edward son of Henry VIII of England, but the Scottish Lords refuse to ratify the treaty preferring an alliance with France, 1558 - Mary, Queen of Scots, marries French Dauphin, Francis Valois (he was aged 14) at Notre Dame in Paris. She adopts the French spelling of Stuart for her surname 1559 - John Knox returns to Scotland from Geneva to promote Calvinism.

1559 - Mary becomes Queen of France when her husband becomes King 1560 - Parliament legislates protestant reformation of the Church of Scotland. 1560 - Treaty of Edinburgh between France and England, recognising sovereignty of Mary Queen of Scots and her first husband Francis II 1560 - Latin Mass prohibited in Scotland by Parliament as Protestant faith gains the ascendancy 1561 - Mary Queen of Scots lands at Leith on her return from France, after the death of her husband, King Francis II 1565 - Mary marries her cousin Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. The marriage is a disaster 1566 - Darnley jealous of Mary's Italian secretary David Rizzio, bursts into her room at Holyrood and Rizzio is murdered. 1566 - Mary Queen of Scots gives birth to the future King James VI of Scotland and I of England 1567 - Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots, assassinated 1567 - Mary marries Earl of Bothwell. The Scottish Lords imprison Mary in Loch Leven castle.

1567 - Mary Queen of Scots abdicates and the young James VI accedes to Scottish throne. The Earl of Mar appointed regent. James VI (James I of England) ( 1567 - 1625 ) 1567 - King James VI (aged 13 months) is crowned at the Church of the Holy Rude, beside Stirling Castle 1568 - Mary Queen of Scots flees to England following the defeat of her army at the Battle of Langside near Glasgow. 1578 - James VI takes over government from his regent James Douglas. 1582 - Establishment of the University of Edinburgh by Royal Charter. 1587 - Mary is beheaded by the order of Queen Elizabeth I of England. 1592 - Presbyterianism becomes the established form of church government in Scotland by Act of Parliament. 1600 - The Gregorian Calendar is adopted in Scotland. The year begins on 1st January instead of 25th March 1603 - The Union of the Crowns James VI of Scotland becomes James I of England.

1614 - John Napier invents logarithms and publishes a book promoting their use in mathematics. 1618 - James VI forces episcopacy on the Church of Scotland through the Five Articles of Perth. 1625 - James VI dies. His son Charles I becomes king of England and Scotland 1633 - Education Act of 1633 ordains a school in every parish (partially successful). 1637 - William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, order the Scottish Kirk to use the new Anglican prayer book. 1638 - Scottish Covenanters rebel against Charles I. 1643 - The Solemn League and Covenant promises Scots army to aid English parliamentarians against the king. 1649 - Charles I is executed. There follows 11 years of rule by Parliament as the Commonwealth under Cromwell. 1651 - Scotland incorporated into the English Commonwealth and Protectorate. 1660 - The monarchy is restored and Scotland resumes its status as a separate kingdom.

1672 - The High Court of Judiciary is established as the high criminal court of Scotland 1679 - Archbishop Sharp a symbol of royal rule over the Kirk is killed by Covenanters who attempt an uprising. Duke of Monmouth defeats Covenanters at the Battle of Bothwell Brig. 1685 - James succeeds his brother, Charles II. 1688 - William of Orange lands at Torbay and advances on London. 1688 - James abdicates and flees to exile in France. William becomes King William III with his wife Mary. 1689 - Jacobite Highlanders rise in support of James and are victorious at Killiekrankie but are defeated a few months later at Dunkeld.� 1689 - The Claim of Right and the re-establishment of Presbyterianism. 1691 - King William offers Highlanders a pardon for the Jacobite uprising if they sign allegiance him� 1692 - Glencoe Massacre. MacDonalds are killed by Campbells allegedly for not signing the oath of allegiance�to the crown. 1695 - The Bank of Scotland is created by Act of Parliament.

1696 - Education Act of 1696 ordains a school in every Scottish parish 1700 - Attempt to establish a new Caledonian colony 'The Darien Scheme' in Panama is a disaster and nearly bankrupts Scotland, 1701 - Act of Settlement bars Catholics from the throne. The aim is to prevent the exiled James Edward Stuart 'The Old Pretender' from return. Queen Anne ( 1702 - 1714 ) 1702 - Anne succeeds her brother-in-law, William III. 1707 - The Act of Union is passed by the English and Scottish parliaments and unites the kingdoms transferring the seat of Scottish government to London 1708 - James Edward Stuart, 'The Old Pretender', sails to Scotland in an unsuccessful attempt to gain the throne.� 1709 - The Scottish Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge is founded with the aim to eradicate 'Popery' and the Gaelic language in the Highlands 1714 - Queen Ann the last Stuart monarch dies.

King George I ( 1714 - 1727 ) 1714 - George I, the first Hanoverian King, succeeds his distant cousin, Anne. 1715 - The Jacobite rising begins in Scotland intending to place the �Old Pretender� James Edward Stuart, heir to James II on the throne. The rebellion is defeated after a few weeks. 1719 - A small Spanish pro Jacobite force land but are defeated at Glenshiel 1722 - Rob Roy MacGregor the outlaw surrenders to the Duke of Montrose 1723 - Adam Smith, author of 'The Wealth of Nations' born in Kirkcaldy 1727 - George II succeeds his father, George I. 1727 - Janet Horne is the last person in Scotland to be condemned and burnt for witchcraft 1736 - Captain of the Edinburgh town guard 'Black Jock' Porteus is lynched by a mob objecting to his harsh treatment of smugglers.

1739 - David Hulme publishes his 'Treatise of Human Nature' and founds the 'Scottish Enlightenment' movement 1740 - The Black Watch regiment is founded for policing the Highlands 1744 - The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers founded - the world's first golf club. 1745 - Charles Edward Stuart, raises his standard at Glenfinnan, at the start of the '45 Jacobite uprising 1745 - Charles Edward Stuart victorious at Battle of Prestonpans. His forces march South and reach Derby before retreating back to Scotland 1746 - Scots defeated at the Battle of Culloden. Duke of Cumberland, the King's 2nd son, ruthlessly represses the rebels and Scottish traditions. 1746 - Prince Charles Edward Stuart escapes capture helped by Flora MacDonald and returns on a French ship to exile in France. 1747 - Disarming Act bans Highland dress, weapons, and bagpipe music. 1747 - British Linen Company in Edinburgh founded. Wool, linen and fishery industries quickly grow as Scotland benefits from the Union..

1754 - Joseph Black discovers "fixed air" (carbon dioxide). 1756 - John McAdam who developed the use of Tar Macadam for roads born in Ayr 1748 - David Hume publishes 'An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding'. 1755 - Scotland's population is 1,265,380 approximately on fifth of that of England. 1760 - The Carron Ironworks near Falkirk use the new system of coke-fired smelting for producing guns for the Royal Navy 1760 - George III becomes king on the death of his grandfather, George II. 1762 - Land tenure reform leads to the Highland Clearances and massive emigration for several decades. 1768 - Encyclopaedia Britannica first published in Edinburgh 1769 - James Watt patents condensing chamber in the Steam engine. 1771 - The first knitting machines used in Hawick starting a rapid expansion of the textile industry in the Borders 1771 - Novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott born.

1773 - James Boswell and Dr Johnson write about their trip to the Highlands and Islands 1776 - Adam Smith publishes The Wealth of Nations. 1778 - First Cotton Mill opened at Rothesay. By 1780 a mill near Glasgow employs 1,000 people. 1782 - Highland Dress Proscription act is repealed recognising that the Jacobite movement was no longer a political threat 1782 - -1820 The Highland Clearances. Highland landowners clear their estates of poor tenant farmers forcing many to move to Glasgow, Edinburgh and abroad 1783 - Glasgow Chamber of Commerce founded 1786 - Robert Burns' poems are first published as 'Poems Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect'. They are an immediate success. 1788 - Charles Edward Stewart "Bonnie Prince Charlie" dies.

1788 - Penal Colony established at Botany Bay 1789 - Inveraray Castle completed the first major building in Britain in neo-Gothic style 1800 - The first Gaelic Bible is published 1802 - John Playfair publishes summary of James Hutton's theories of Geology. 1803 - Works begins on the Caledonian canal 1805 - The Glasgow Herald newspaper first published. 1813 - David Livingstone, missionary and explorer, born in Blantyre 1816 - Robert Owen sets up his New Lanark cotton mill under his scheme of 'enlightened capitalism' 1817 - The Scotsman newspaper first published. King George IV ( 1820 - 1830 ) 1820 - George IV accedes to the throne, having spent the last nine years as Prince Regent for his blind and deranged father. 1820 - 60,000 workers strike and appoint a 'provisional government' in Glasgow. They are put down by troops at Bonnymuir and their leaders transported. 1822 - King George IV visits Scotland.

Encouraged by Walter Scott he wears Highland dress leading to a revival in tartan costume and in particular the kilt. 1823 - Charles Macintosh patents waterproof cloth used to make raincoats 1824 - The Licencing Act attempts to stamp out the many illegal whisky stills 1824 - Edinburgh's Great Fire burns for 2 days destroying the High Street and Parliament Square 1829 - Felix Mendelssohn visits Scotland and Staffa which inspires him to write the music Fingal's Cave 1830 - William IV succeeds his brother, George IV. 1831 - Scotland's first passenger railway opened between Glasgow and Garnkirk.

1831 - The Game Act sets 'The Glorious' 12th August as the start of the grouse shooting season 1832 - The Reform Act enlarges the franchise of those eligible to vote 1834 - St Andrews golf club is given a royal warrant to call itself the 'Royal and Ancient' Queen Victoria ( 1837 - 1901 ) 1837 - Queen Victoria succeeds her uncle, William IV 1837 - Thomas Carlyle publishes 'History of the French Revolution'. He becomes one of the most influential Victorian writers. 1841 - Scotland's population reaches 2.6 million. An economic recession makes many firms bankrupt with families relying on charity. 1843 - Disruption in the Church of Scotland (over the issue of patronage). Many leave to join the Free Church. 1846 - Beginning of the ten-year Highland Potato Famine. 1847 - The United Presbyterian Church of Scotland is established. 1848 - Queen Victoria and Prince Alber lease the Balmoral estate which they later buy. 1851 - Glasgow has 330,000 inhabitants including many Catholic immigrants from Ireland.

One third of Scottish families live together in a single room. 1859 - The waters of Loch Katrine provide Glasgow with piped fresh water helping to reduce outbreaks of cholera and typhus in the city 1864 - James Clerk Maxwell presents equations describing electromagnetic fields. 1866 - David Livingstone sets out to find the source of the Nile 1871 - Scotland wins the first international rugby game against England. The Calcutta cup is made from melted down Indian rupees. 1874 - Patronage abolished in the Church of Scotland. 1876 - The Scottish Football Association is founded 1876 - Alexander Graham Bell demonstrates the telephone 1878 - Collapse of the City of Glasgow Bank 1879 - William Gladstone conducts the Midlothian campaign as part of a political comeback. 1879 - The Tay Bridge Disaster. 1882 - The Clyde becomes the world's large centre for ship building 1885 - Creation of the Scottish Office and the post of Secretary for Scotland later Secretary of State for Scotland.

1886 - John Dunlop from Ayr patents the pneumatic rubber tyre 1886 - Scottish Labour party founded 1888 - Birth in Helensburgh of John Logie Baird who develops of television 1890 - Opening of the Forth Railway Bridge. 1896 - Opening of the Glasgow Subway. 1897 - Glasgow School of Art designed by Rennie Macintosh opens 1900 - The Wee Frees split from the Free Church of Scotland 1901 - Edward VII becomes King on the death of his mother, Queen Victoria. 1901 - Population of Scotland reaches 4.5 million 1903 - Irn Bru first produced by AG Barr in Cumbernauld 1906 - Publishing company DC Thomson starts in Dundee. The Dandy and Beano first appear in 1930 1910 - Herring fishing industry reaches it peak 1910 - Edward VII dies and is succeeded by George V 1914 - Outbreak of World War I.

Many Scottish regiments fight in the Germans France 1914 - Battles of Mons, the Marne, and Ypres. 1915 - Second Battle of Ypres. Allied Gallipoli expedition fails to remove Turkey from the war. 1916 - Battle of the Somme. Naval battle off Jutland between British and German fleets. 1918 - The end of World War I. The German battle fleet surrenders to the allies at Scapa Flow in Orkney. 1919 - The German fleet scuttles itself in Scarpa Flow 1921 - Unemployment reaches 20% 1926 - John Logie Baird demonstrates first television 1927 - Scotsman John Reith appointed Director General of the newly formed BBC 1928 - Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin 1929 - The Church of Scotland and the United Free Church of Scotland unite. 1930 - Evacuation of the island of St Kilda 1934 - Scottish National Party founded.

1936 - George VI accedes to the throne upon the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII 1938 - The Empire Exhibition Scotland 1938 is held at Bellahouston Park Glasgow. 1938 - The Queen Elizabeth the largest passenger ship at the time launched at John Browns shipyard 1939 - Start of Second World War 1940 - Evacuation of Dunkirk 1941 - The Clydebank Blitz by German bombers (13-15 May). 1941 - Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy, descends by parachute into Scotland 1943 - Creation of the North of Scotland Hydro-Electric Board to bring electricity to all parts of the Highlands and Islands. 1945 - End of Second World War 1945 - First Scottish Nationalist MP is elected. 1947 - Nationalisation of the railways - the Scottish Region of British Railways is created. 1947 - The first Edinburgh International Festival is held. 1948 - The Tattoo first performed at Edinburgh Castle 1950 - Students remove the Stone of Scone from Westminster.

They leave it at Abroath Abbey from whence it is returned to London 1952 - Queen Elizabeth II accedes to the throne on the death of her father, George VI. 1957 - Scottish Television starts broadcasting. 1961 - Muriel Spark's 'The Pride of Miss Jean Brodie' published 1963 - Faslane becomes the base for Britain's nuclear submarines 1964 - Forth Road Bridge opened 1968 - The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland permits the ordination of women as ministers. 1969 - Oil discovered in the North Sea 1970 - The Scottish National Party win just one seat in the general election 1970 - 13th Commonwealth Games opened in Edinburgh 1975 - Local government reorganisation (replacing Counties and Burghs for administrative purposes with Regions and Districts). 1975 - North Sea oil is piped ashore and Aberdeen becomes a boom city 1978 - Launch of BBC Radio Scotland. 1979 - Referendum to create a Scottish Assembly fails to meet the required majority.

1988 - Terrorists blow up Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie with the loss of 270 lives including 11 residents of the town. 1988 - Piper Alpha disaster BBC - Scotland's History - Edward I, King of England. Scotland's History Articles Edward I, King of England. Born 1239, died 1307. Reign 1272 – 1307 Edward I, King of England. Born 1239, died 1307. Reign 1272 – 1307 One of the most effective English kings, Edward was also one of Scotland's greatest adversaries. Through his campaigns against Scotland he would come to be known after his death as 'Scottorum malleus' – the Hammer of the Scots. Intelligent and impatient, Edward proved to be a highly effective king. The reign of his father, Henry III, was marked by internal instability and military failure. Upon succeeding to the throne on 1272 Edward did much to rectify these issues. He managed to control and placate the unruly English barons and unite them behind him.

A learned scholar, Edward also took great personal interest in matters of administration and government and introduced reforms and ideas learnt whilst staying abroad in the family-held territory of Gascony. He also made great use of his Parliament – a strategy that helped maintain stability in the country and, more importantly for Edward, brought in regular sums of money to enable Edward to pursue his ambitions. Edward also devised far uglier means of raising money. In 1275 Edward issues the Statute of Jewry that persecuted the Jewish population of England and imposed severe taxation on them. Proving both lucrative and popular, Edward extended this policy further. In 1290 the Jews were expelled from England – minus their money and property. The money raised from this dark practise was used to fund his his ambition to be overlord of the Scotland and Wales. As a younger man Edward forged an impressive reputation as a man of action. Domestically and abroad Edward proved himself as a soldier and a leader of men. In 1266 Edward received international accolade for his role in the 8th and 9th Crusades to the Holy Land where he helped secure the survival of the beleagured coastal city of Acre.

It was while returning from the Crusade that Edward learned that his father, Henry III, had died and that he was now the King of England. Ambitious and impulsive, Edward wasted no time in enforcing his will on his neighbours. As an ominous precursor for his plans for Scotland, Edward attacked Wales. Edward attacks Wales During the 1250s Edward's father, Henry III, had mounted military campaigns in an attempt to control and dominate Wales. After a series of disastrous defeats Henry was forced to negotiate a peace that saw the Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd extend his territories into England. Henry also had to recognise the royal status of Llewelyn as Prince of Wales. Llywelyn in turn was to acknowledge Henry as his overlord. Edward had experienced these failed campaigns first hand as part of his father's retinue and was determined not to repeat the same mistakes. Using the pretence of Llywelyn's refusal to pay homage to him in 1274 Edward raised a sizeable army and invaded Wales. Llywelyn was defeated and stripped of his territories.

In another uncanny foreshadowing of events to come in Scotland Edward's complete conquest of his neighbour was to be thrown into doubt by a courageous campaign for liberation. In 1282 Llywelyn's brother Dafydd sparked a rebellion to rid Wales of English dominance. With Edward caught off-guard the rising had initial success. The death of Llywelyn in battle turned the tide for Edward however. Soon after Dafydd was captured and executed. Without strong leadership the Welsh rising failed. To consolidate his stranglehold, Edward built a series of impressive castles across Wales (such as Caernarfon Castle) and in 1284 Edward issued the Statute of Rhuddlan that effectively annexed Wales and made it a province of England. The title Prince of Wales was handed to Edward's eldest son, Prince Edward (later Edward II) – a practise that continues to this day. Edward plots against Scotland In 1287 Alexander III, King of Scots, died suddenly after falling from his horse at Kinghorn. The succession crisis that followed presented Edward with a golden opportunity to expand on his conquest of Wales.

The Adobe Flash player and Javascript are required in order to view a video which appears on this page. You may wish to download the Adobe Flash player . With the absence of an immediate heir, the Scots throne looked likely to pass to Alexander's infant granddaughter, Margaret (the 'Maid of Norway') – the daughter of the King of Norway. Rival Scottish claims for the right to succeed as the next monarch led to the Norwegians approaching Edward. Edward planned to wed his own son Edward to Margaret and thus control Scotland via matrimonial rights. The Scots nobles, fearful of such a takeover, agreed that Margaret should be queen – but at the expense of Edward's marriage plans. Events were thrown into turmoil when Margaret died en route to Scotland. Edward the Kingmaker With the succession crisis still looming large and rival claimants still in fierce competition the Guardians of Scotland needed to find someone to adjudicate the claims and help break the deadlock. The perfect candidate was Edward. As an internationally respected king and a recognised expert on legal matters of state Edward was a logical choice. With the benefit of hindsight this may seem to be the worst of decisions until you consider that England and Scotland had enjoyed an extended period of relatively peaceful co-existence.

Claims of English overlordship over Scotland were seen to be a thing of the distant past. The Guardians were in for a very rude shock. The Adobe Flash player and Javascript are required in order to view a video which appears on this page. You may wish to download the Adobe Flash player . In a series of political manouverings Edward insisted that he be recognised as feudal overlord of the Scots before a new Scots king be appointed. The Guardians refused but Edward, the legal expert, got his wish. While there were two rival claimants (Robert Bruce and John Balliol) Edward's role was adjudicate. If there were more than two then, under medieval law, only a judge could be expected to pronounce a verdict. As a judge Edward had to have authority – and in royal matters authority meant overlordship. Edward found other claimants for the vacant throne to put pressure on Bruce and Balliol. The plan worked and one by one they came forward to swear allegiance. From that point, with all principle claimants as his vassals, it did not matter who became king. Ultimately Balliol took the crown.

Edward's subsequent heavy-handed treatment of the Scots (demanding taxes and soldiers to help fight his wars) led to the first inklings of rebellion. In 1295 the Scots signed a mutual aid treaty with France (later to be known as the Auld Alliance). This pact with Edward's enemy brought about swift retaliation from Edward. Edward destroyed Berwick, slaughtering thousands of the town's inhabitants, before pushing deeper into scotland. The Scots met Edward in battle at Dunbar but was decisively beaten. repeating his accomplishments in Wales, Edward had now conquered Scotland. In a similar tactic to the those he employed in Wales Edward stripped the country of its treasures and symbollic icons of nationhood as easily as he stripped Balliol of his status as king. Most notably the crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny was removed to be sent back to England. The message was clear – there was to be no other king in Scotland but Edward. Edward's campaigning, however, had left him seriously short of funds. He could no-longer afford to build costly castles to control his new domain as he had in Wales. Wars of Independence Just as he had with the welsh, Edward had underestimated the Scots.

Within a year rebellions to English control broke out – notably led by Andrew Murray in the north and William wallace in the south of the country. The Adobe Flash player and Javascript are required in order to view a video which appears on this page. You may wish to download the Adobe Flash player . Edward left the matter of crushing the rebellion to his representative, John de Warenne, rather than take control personally. At Stirling Bridge Warenne's force was routed by Wallace and Murray's army. Edward marches north and took control of his army and defeated Wallace's army at Falkirk. Wallace was later captured and executed. Once again Edward assumed that Scotland was conquered. An interesting point to note is that the expense incurred in subjugating the Welsh meant that the same pattern of conquest and castle-building was not open to Edward. The success of that campaign could not so easily be emulated. Enter the Bruce Waiting in the wings for Edward was Robert the Bruce. Bruce's ambition to be king was finally realised in 1306. News of the coronation of a new Scots king brought Edward's army northward. A series of swift victories saw Edward victorious and the new King of Scots on the run. Once again Edward assumed the job was done.

News of Bruce's return with a handful of followers was given scant regard. Edward would rue this inattentiveness. Within a year Bruce had defeated larger English forces and regained control of swathes of Scotland. A minor rebellion had become a sizeable rising. Not even the capture and execution of key Bruce supporters (including members of Bruce's own family) could reverse the tide. The Adobe Flash player and Javascript are required in order to view a video which appears on this page. You may wish to download the Adobe Flash player . In Bruce Edward had met a formidable, ruthless and determined opponent – a man cut from the same cloth. A Job Worth Doing... Despite ill health and advancing years Edward, Hammer of the Scots, marched his army north to rid himself of Bruce once and for all. In 1307, with Scotland in sight, Edward died at Burgh-on-Sands. The campaign for the conquest of Scotland passed on to his son, Edward II. The Scots were relieved to find that the brutal and effective military prowess displayed by the father were absent in the son. The Adobe Flash player and Javascript are required in order to view a video which appears on this page. You may wish to download the Adobe Flash player .

In 1314 Bruce routed a larger English force at Bannockburn. Recognition of Scotland's sovereignty came years later in 1328. On his death bed accounts credit Edward's dying wish to be that his bones be left unburied as long as Scotland was unconquered. Mercifully this request was ignored. As arguably, England's greatest king (and Scotland's greatest enemy) his temporary interment would have lasted an awful long time. More articles

Question: Who was crowned King of Scotland in 1306 and defeated the forces of Edward II at Bannockburn in 1314?
Answer: Robert Bruce