English invasion of Scotland (1300) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids English invasion of Scotland of 1300
Part of Wars of Scottish Independence
Date May 1300 Location Scotland Result Militarily inconclusive English withdrawal
Belligerents
Kingdom of Scotland	Kingdom of England
Commanders and leaders
Robert de Brus (till May) John Comyn William de Lamberton Ingram de Umfraville (from May) (as Guardians of Scotland)	Edward I
Strength
	20,000

The English invasion of Scotland of 1300 was a military attack led by Edward I of England. It was part of the Wars of Scottish Independence, a long fight for Scotland's freedom. King Edward I wanted to continue his victories from an earlier attack in 1298.

This invasion also aimed to get back at the Scots for taking Stirling Castle in 1299. Plus, people in areas like Annandale, Nithsdale, and Galloway were rebelling against English rule. Even though the English won a battle, the campaign didn't have a clear winner. King Edward I eventually had to pull his troops out of Scotland.

Why Did England Invade Scotland in 1300?

In 1299, Scottish forces successfully surrounded and captured Stirling Castle, Caerlaverock Castle, and Bothwell Castle. The English soldiers inside these castles had to give up. Around the same time, Robert the Bruce tried to take Lochmaben Castle from the English in August 1299. He didn't succeed, but it showed the Scots were still fighting.

Scottish soldiers from the recently captured Caerlaverock Castle often attacked the English at Lochmaben. During one of these raids, Robert Cunningham, a Scottish captain, was killed. The English captain at Lochmaben, Robert Felton, put Cunningham's head on the castle walls. King Edward I of England started getting ready for a new invasion in 1299. However, disagreements among his nobles and his upcoming marriage meant he had to wait until 1300.

The Invasion of Scotland

King Edward I ordered his army to gather at Carlisle. In May 1300, he led a huge English army of 20,000 soldiers into Scotland. They marched through areas like Annandale, Nithsdale, and Galloway. Edward wanted to build on his earlier successes and stop the Scottish resistance.

The army first traveled from Carlisle to Annan. Then, they went to help the English soldiers at Lochmaben Castle. In July 1300, the English army surrounded Caerlaverock Castle. They captured it after just five days. After taking Caerlaverock, the English marched to Dumfries and then to Kirkcudbright.

In August 1300, a battle took place on the Cree. English forces fought against Scottish forces led by John Comyn, John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, and Ingram de Umfraville. The English army won this battle.

Later in August, the Pope sent a letter to King Edward I. The Pope demanded that Edward leave Scotland. Edward's army marched as far as Stirling Castle, but they couldn't capture it. Because the invasion wasn't going as planned, Edward agreed to a truce with the Scots. This truce began on October 30, 1300, and Edward returned to England.

What Happened After the Invasion?

The Scottish forces mostly avoided big, open battles with the English army. Instead, they preferred to fight in smaller groups and launch quick attacks. King Edward I faced several problems during his campaign. He didn't have enough money or supplies for his large army. Also, his Scottish supporters wanted him to give them lands that belonged to Robert the Bruce.

These issues caused the English campaign to slow down and eventually stop. King Edward I had to pull his army out of Scotland. However, he didn't give up. Almost immediately, he started planning an even bigger invasion for the year 1301.