Capitulation of Irvine facts for kids
The Capitulation of Irvine was an important event during the early Wars of Scottish Independence. It happened on June 7, 1297. The Scottish leaders had many disagreements, which led to a situation where neither side truly won or lost. Instead, it was like a stand-off.
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What Led to the Capitulation?
The Start of Rebellions
In May 1297, William Wallace took action against William de Heselrig, who was the English Sheriff of Lanark. This event was part of a bigger picture. Many Scots were unhappy with English rule. It's not clear if Wallace's actions were planned or happened suddenly.
A famous poem by Blind Harry tells a story about Wallace. It says Wallace was seeking revenge for something that happened to his wife. This poem is called The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace.
Wallace and Douglas Join Forces
After this, William Wallace joined forces with William the Hardy, Lord of Douglas. Together, they carried out a raid on Scone. This was just one of many rebellions happening across Scotland. Other Scottish nobles were also rising up. In the north, Andrew Moray led another important rebellion.
The Standoff at Irvine
English Forces Arrive
John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey was in charge of Scotland for King Edward I of England. He sent his grandson, Henry de Percy, 1st Baron Percy, to deal with the Scottish uprisings. Percy led a large army of 40,000 foot soldiers and 300 horsemen.
Scots Gather at Irvine
On July 9, 1297, Scottish nobles gathered near a loch between Irvine and Bourtreehill House. They were ready to fight the English army. The Scots set up their camp at Knadgerhill, on the north side of the loch. When the English arrived, they camped on the opposite side, to the south.
Disagreement Among Scottish Leaders
However, the Scottish leaders had serious disagreements among themselves. A knight named Sir Richard Lundie said that an army divided against itself could not be safe. He then left the Scottish camp with his men and joined Percy's English forces.
Other important Scottish figures followed him. These included Robert the Bruce, Bishop Robert Wishart of Glasgow, and William Douglas. At this time, William Wallace was in central Scotland and not with these leaders.
The Agreement at Irvine
Henry de Percy then negotiated with the Scottish nobles. They agreed to submit to English rule. This agreement likely happened at Seagate Castle. For a while, this helped the English control southern Scotland.
Historian G.W.S. Barrow suggests that the Scottish nobles might have wanted to delay things. They might have hoped to give William Wallace more time to organize his rebellion.
Wallace refused to be part of this agreement. He and his followers retreated to the forest of Selkirk. Wallace was very upset with the Bishop of Glasgow, Robert Wishart. He even attacked Wishart's castle and lands. Wishart was put in prison for a time. He promised loyalty to King Edward again, but he broke that promise as soon as he was free.
The Document of Capitulation
The original document of the Capitulation of Irvine is kept safe. You can find it in the National Archives in Kew, Surrey, England.
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