English invasion of Scotland (1296) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids English invasion of Scotland of 1296
Part of First War of Scottish Independence
Date 1296 Location Scotland Result English Occupation
Belligerents
Kingdom of Scotland	Kingdom of England
Commanders and leaders
John Balliol	Edward I of England

The English invasion of Scotland of 1296 was a military attack led by Edward I of England. It happened because John, King of Scotland, stopped being loyal to Edward. Scotland had also made a treaty with France. Plus, Scottish armies had raided northern England.

The Scottish army lost badly at the Battle of Dunbar. Edward I took control of Scotland. He forced King John to give up his crown. Edward then went back to England. He took many important Scottish royal items. A lot of Scottish nobles were also taken as prisoners.

Why the Invasion Happened

Who Would Be King?

In 1286, King Alexander III of Scotland died. His only living grandchild was Margaret, who was just three years old. When Queen Margaret died in 1290, Scotland had no clear ruler.

Scottish leaders, called the Guardians, worried about a civil war. They asked King Edward I of England to help. Edward was asked to choose the next king of Scotland. This process was known as the Great Cause.

On November 17, 1292, Edward I chose John Balliol. John became King of Scotland on November 30, 1292, at Scone. Edward I had made sure that he was seen as the "Lord Paramount of Scotland." This meant he believed he was Scotland's feudal superior.

The Treaty with France

By 1295, King John of Scotland and his council felt that Edward I wanted to fully control Scotland. Edward kept showing his power. He demanded that appeals from Scottish courts be heard in England.

In one case, Edward ordered King John to appear in person. John refused and sent someone else instead. Edward also demanded that Scottish nobles send soldiers to fight France.

In response, Scotland looked for allies. They sent people to King Philippe IV of France in October 1295. This led to the Treaty of Paris in February 1296. This treaty created an alliance between Scotland and France.

Getting Ready for War

When Edward I found out about Scotland's alliance with France, he was angry. He ordered an English army to gather in Newcastle upon Tyne in March 1296. Edward I also demanded that Scotland hand over its border castles. These were Roxburgh, Jedburgh, and Berwick.

A Scottish army, led by John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, invaded England on March 26, 1296. They attacked Carlisle. The castle governor, Robert de Brus, defended it for four days. The Scottish army left after burning the town. They didn't have the right tools to attack the castle. They also burned the town of Tindale.

Another Scottish army raided Northumberland starting on April 8. They burned the town of Corbridge and two monasteries. They also tried to capture Harbottle Castle.

The Invasion Begins

The English army crossed the Tweed River on March 28, 1296. They marched towards Berwick. Berwick was Scotland's most important trading port.

Berwick's defenders were led by William the Hardy, Lord of Douglas. The English army was led by Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford. The English managed to get into the town. They began to attack Berwick. Many townspeople were killed, possibly between 4,000 and 17,000.

The English then began to attack Berwick Castle. Douglas surrendered the castle. He did so on the condition that his life and his soldiers' lives were spared.

Edward I and his army stayed in Berwick for a month. They made the town's defenses stronger. On April 5, Edward I received a message from King John. John said he was no longer loyal to Edward. Edward wanted to fight the Scots. He decided to take the battle to them.

The next target was Patrick, Earl of March's castle at Dunbar. This castle was a few miles from Berwick. The Scots had taken it over. The Earl of March was on England's side. However, his wife, Marjory Comyn, allowed the Scots to occupy the castle.

Edward I sent John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, to Dunbar. Surrey was King John's father-in-law. He led a strong group of knights to attack the castle. The defenders of Dunbar sent messages to King John. They asked for urgent help. The Scottish army then moved to help Dunbar Castle. King John did not go with them.

The Battle of Dunbar

The two armies met near Dunbar on April 27. The Scots were in a strong position on high ground. Surrey's cavalry had to cross a ditch. As they did, their lines broke apart. The Scots thought the English were leaving. They rushed downhill in a messy charge.

But Surrey's forces had regrouped. They advanced in perfect order. The English easily defeated the disorganized Scots. The fight was short. The only known important person killed was Sir Patrick de Graham.

Many Scottish lords, knights, and soldiers were captured. These included John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch. Also captured were the earls of Atholl, Ross, and Menteith. Those who escaped fled to Ettrick Forest. The captured Scots were sent to prisons in England.

Edward I arrived at Dunbar on April 28. The castle surrendered. Edward I then traveled to Haddington (May 1). Then he went to Lauder and Roxburgh Castle. There, James Stewart, 5th High Steward of Scotland handed the castle over.

After visiting other castles, the English army went to Edinburgh. They attacked Edinburgh Castle. After five days, the castle surrendered. The English then attacked Linlithgow. Edward I then went to Stirling. The castle was empty, and its gatekeeper surrendered it. Malise III, Earl of Strathearn, met Edward I at Stirling and swore loyalty.

Edward I continued his journey north. He went to Perth, Forfar, and Montrose. In July, King John and other Scottish nobles met Edward I. They surrendered at Stracathro Churchyard.

John was stripped of his royal power. His Scottish crown was taken. The symbols of his rank were ripped from his coat. This led to his nickname 'toom tabard,' meaning 'empty coat.' He and many Scottish nobles were taken south. They were held in the Tower of London or other English castles.

Edward I continued his journey through Scotland. He went to Aberdeen and other northern towns. He sent some of his forces into the Badenoch area. Edward I then traveled back south. He passed through many abbeys and towns. Finally, he returned to Berwick. Scotland was now under his control.

What Happened Next

At Berwick, Edward I held a meeting. All the Scottish bishops, earls, and lords swore loyalty to Edward I. Edward I allowed the nobles to keep their lands. But they had to attend his meeting.

Edward I appointed John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey, as the guardian of Scotland. Hugh de Cressingham became the treasurer. Walter de Amersham became the chancellor. Edward I returned to England on September 16.

Edward I had defeated the Scottish army. Many Scottish nobles were prisoners. He then tried to remove Scotland's national identity. He took the Stone of Destiny, the Scottish crown, and the Black Rood of St Margaret. All these important items were taken from Scotland. They were sent to Westminster Abbey in England.

The English rule led to revolts in 1297. Andrew Moray led a revolt in northern Scotland. William Wallace led one in the south. Most of Scotland north of the Forth River was controlled by Moray and Wallace. Only Dundee and some castles remained English.

The English guardian of Scotland, John de Warenne, marched north with an army. This led to the battle of Stirling Bridge. The English were defeated there. This defeat made Edward I prepare for another invasion of Scotland in 1298.