From Inverkip, Aymer de Valence, captain of the army and lieutenant of the king south of the Forth, and Robert fitz Pagan, wrote to the constable and marshal of the army, and keeper of the wardrobe. They certify that Sir John … Continue reading
Robert Hastang, sheriff of Roxburgh, sends a report to Edward I on the Scots’ activities in the area. He reports the inroad by the Scots under Ingram de Umfraville and William Balliol on Selkirk forest, which was held by Simon … Continue reading
Edward I, overlord of Scotland, issued a writ addressed to John Balliol, king of Scots. He says that he postponed the muster which was to have been at London on 1 September and now orders John to send men to … Continue reading
Edward I wrote to the guardian of the monastery of Kelso noting the request by ‘Friar’ Thomas of Durham, their fellow monk, that as their church is destitute through the continued and voluntary absence of ‘friar’ Richard, late abbot, a … Continue reading
On this date, Walter of ‘Bedewynde’ was granted royal letters of presentation to the church of Kilpatrick on the Clyde (DNB). See the document in the database here.
A charter to Coldingham Priory is issued by Alexander II. Though not necessarily an important document for the priory, the charter marked a watershed in his kingship. From this point forward, the plural of majesty was adopted and used systematically … Continue reading
Thomas, illegitimate son of the late Alan, lord of Galloway, was defeated by Alexander II and Fearchar, earl of Ross. Thomas had gained the support of the Galwegians following Alan’s death without a legitimate male heir.
King Alexander II died of fever on the island of Kerrera, in Oban Bay, during an expedition against King Haakon IV of Norway. He was buried at Melrose Abbey.
On this date, a parliament was held by John Balliol at Stirling. This was King John’s penultimate parliament, and the main order of business would likely have been the Franco-Scottish treaty which was concluded that October and ratified in February … Continue reading
Edward I, as overlord of Scotland, writes to Alan, bishop of Caithness, chancellor of Scotland, noting that it is illegal in Scotland for a baron or anyone else to have a prison in which he detains a felon accused of … Continue reading
John, king of Scots, granted to Alexander Scrymgeour the lands called Great Field near the villa of Dundee from the north, with those acres in West Field, and the constabulary of the castle of Dundee, for homage and service to … Continue reading
On this date, at Berwick, Florence, count of Holland and Robert Bruce, lord of Annandale, made an agreement in the presence of Edward I concerning right of succession to the Scottish throne. It was agreed that he who succeeds to … Continue reading
The sheriff of Cambridge and Huntingdon’s account mentions the expenses of German the Falconer, esquire, a Scottish prisoner in Wisbech castle. He was taken prisoner at Dunbar in 1296, and was apparently still prisoner eleven years later. This account also … Continue reading
On this date, one of several inquisitions concerning the barony of Crail was taken at Perth before John, earl of Atholl, and John de Sandale, chamberlain of Scotland, by named jurors, who found that Alexander II had given to Richard … Continue reading
William Fraser, dean of Glasgow and royal chancellor, was consecrated bishop of St Andrews at Rome. Read about William’s life and see where he appears in the database here.
From Melrose, John of Graham writes to his bailies of Westerkirk, Adam son of Hugh and William Stobb, noting that he has granted to Melrose Abbey the liberties and rights of their lands of Eskdale. See the document in the … Continue reading
The Scots under the command of Robert Bruce defeat the English, led by Sir Aymer de Valence, at Loudoun Hill, resulting in Bruce’s first major military victory following his enthronement as king.
John de Soules, guardian of the kingdom of Scotland, issues a brieve in the name of King John concerning a payment of 6 marks due to Kelso Abbey.
Edward II allows Elizabeth de Bruce, wife of King Robert I, to have in her retinue Elena Edgar, John de Claydon, Samuel de Lynford and William of Preston. See the document in the database here.
Edward II commands the constable of Conway castle to send a prisoner there, John Wishart, formerly archdeacon of Glasgow, to Pagan de Tybotot, justice of Chester, to be conveyed from there to the Tower of London.
The sheriff of Edinburgh is commanded that Thomas del Bois, captured and detained in the king’s prison of Edinburgh, is to be conducted to King Edward I without delay. Other prisoners, including Master Alexander de Bray, John de Mere, chaplain, … Continue reading
Pope Nicholas IV forbids anyone not a native of Scotland to be admitted to take the habit in any house of a religious order in that realm, or to hold any dignity of the same. See the document in the … Continue reading
King Alexander III was buried at Dunfermline. He had died on the night of 18/19 March.
At a parliament held at St Andrews, the clergy of Scotland wrote to ‘all Christ’s faithful’ declaring that they always believed Robert Bruce, grandfather of King Robert, to be the rightful claimant to the Scottish throne over John Balliol. This … Continue reading
Edward II commanded that Elizabeth, wife of Robert Bruce, be removed from the abbey of Barking to Rochester castle, where she was assigned a ‘sufficient chamber’ and 20s. weekly for her expenses. She was allowed to take exercise within the … Continue reading
Queen Joan of Scotland, daughter of King John I of England and first wife of Alexander II, died. She and Alexander were married in June 1221, just before her 11th birthday. She died at Havering, Essex, in the arms of … Continue reading
The Scots, led by John Comyn of Badenoch and Sir Simon Fraser, defeat the English under the command of Sir John Segrave at the Battle of Roslin in Midlothian. It was a decisive Scottish victory and Comyn received much praise … Continue reading
John de Soules, guardian of Scotland, wrote to King Philip IV of France undertaking to observe the truce with England.
John Comyn, lord of Badenoch, and his uncle, Richard Comyn, were murdered by Robert Bruce and his men at Dumfries. The murder was, according to later chroniclers, the result of a betrayal by Comyn to Edward I of an agreement … Continue reading
Pope Nicholas IV granted an indulgence to those who should visit the church of the Augustinian prioress and convent of St Leonard’s Perth, on the feasts of the Blessed Virgin and St Leonard, and in their octaves.
Dervorguilla de Balliol died at Barnard Castle, Northumberland. With her death, her fourth and youngest son, John, inherited her lands in Galloway as well as other lands in Scotland and England. Also, he now had a more secure claim to … Continue reading
From Lanercost, Edward I pardoned John of Bassingbourn, the late sheriff of Essex, for letting Hugh Oliphant, a Scottish prisoner, escape from the castle of Colchester while in his custody because “he pursued Hugh so manfully that he retook and … Continue reading
John Balliol wrote to John le Romeyn, archbishop of York, complaining about the election of Thomas of Kirkcudbright to the see of Whithorn. Balliol claimed that Thomas had been improperly elected to the bishopric by ‘certain promises and simony’ and … Continue reading
Alexander de Balliol was given letters of protection at Linlithgow by Edward I.
Earl Patrick I of Dunbar died and was buried at Eccles Priory. He was the first to use the title ‘earl of Dunbar’, rather than ‘of Lothian’. With his wife, Ada, daughter of King William I, he had four sons … Continue reading
John Balliol gave homage to King Edward I at Newcastle in the presence of several Anglo-Scottish barons.
Robert Renfrew died. He had been captured at the siege of Stirling Castle in July 1304 and held in prison at Old Sarun (Salisbury, Wiltshire) until his death more than two years later.
William Lamberton, bishop of St Andrews, writes to the dean of Fife and Fothrif notifying him that the rector of Dairsie has resigned and that St Andrews Priory is now free to present their nominee to the benefice.
Edward I commits to Ralph de Monthermer the custody of the lands of the late John Comyn, earl of Buchan and the ward and marriage of his heirs, still in minority, without disparagement.
William, dean of the Merse, cites Sir David Graham over the payment of money to the Holy Land subsidy.
Following his election as king of Scots during the proceedings known as the Great Cause, John Balliol gave fealty to King Edward I.
Edward I writes to his men in Annandale noting that he has assigned Richard Siward and Master Richard of Abingdon to make provisions for Lochmaben Castle, and commands his men there to give them assistance as necessary.
Following the victory at Bannockburn, Robert Bruce held a parliament at Cambuskenneth. By this parliament, those who had not come into Bruce’s peace and allegiance were disinherited and deprived of their lands in Scotland. In essence, cross-border landholding was now … Continue reading
Hugh Oliphant, ‘a Scottish rebel’, escaped from the prison at Colchester Castle, along with William Sauvage, and took refuge at Barking Abbey. Edward I wrote to the abbess there and commanded that they ‘be safely watched there and prevented escaping’. … Continue reading
Adam of Bondington, clerk, and associate to the chancellor of Scotland (as appointed by Edward I, ‘overlord of Scotland’) received £6 13s. 4d. in part payment of his fee granted to him by King Edward. He received this payment at … Continue reading
Alexander II invaded northernEngland, besieging Norham, following King John’s repudiation of Magna Carta. By 22 October, several leading nobles from Northumberland had given Alexander fealty.
Patrick IV, earl of Dunbar/March died. He was the first of the earls of Dunbarto use the title ‘earl of March’. He was succeeded by his son, Patrick V, whom he had with his wife, Marjory Comyn, daughter of Alexander … Continue reading
The Battle of Largs, between King Alexander III of Scotland and King Haakon IV of Norway, took place. Though not a decisive victory for Alexander, King Haakon’s men did submit to the Scots and in 1266, Norway’s new king, Magnus, … Continue reading
Earl Duncan III of Fife was murdered at Pitpollok near Brechin by Sir Patrick Abernethy and Sir Walter Percy. He was buried at Coupar Angus Abbey. His marriage to Joan, daughter of Gilbert de Clare, earl of Gloucester, produced one … Continue reading
William, bishop of Dunblane, stated that the right to presentation to the vicarage of the church of Strageath (PER), upon inquisition, has been found to belong to the monks of Inchaffray. They duly presented Lord John, chaplain of Legerwood, and … Continue reading
Bishop Adam of Caithness was brutally murdered in his house at Halkirk. Tensions had been high since the time of his predecessor, John, over the collection of teinds. Indeed, Bishop John had also suffered attacks survived mutilation in 1201. Following … Continue reading
Edward I’s progress through Scotland, which began in March 1296, was coming to an end. Following his parliament on 28 August at Berwick, at which time he received the homage and fealty of several hundred Scots, he remained in the … Continue reading
The Treaty of Northampton, also called the Treaty of Birgham-Northampton, was endorsed by Edward I at Northampton. The terms had been negotiated at Birgham (BWK) the previous month and called for the marriage of Margaret, ‘the Maid of Norway’, granddaughter … Continue reading
Patrick III, earl of Dunbar died and was succeeded by his son, Patrick IV.
The Treaty of Newcastle was agreed between Alexander II and Henry III, by which Alexander promised to retrain from hostilities against England ‘unless in defence of Scottish interests’. Also included in the treaty was the betrothal of Alexander’s young son, … Continue reading
David of Strathbogie, earl of Atholl died while on crusade at Carthage. He was succeeded by his son, John (d.1306).
A parliament was held at Stirling under King John Balliol, his second parliament of the first year his reign. At this parliament, Robert Bruce (the future king), who had previously failed to give King John homage, duly appeared and was … Continue reading
Edward I’s progress through Scotland: Edward traveled through Banffshire and Moray this week – from Cullen to The Moor (23-24 July) on to ‘Rapenache’ (25 July) and finally Elgin (26-28 July), where he accepted several letters of fealty from Scots, … Continue reading
The garrison of Stirling Castle, led by William Oliphant, surrendered to Edward I, who used his newest siege engine, the ‘Warwolf’, against the Scots.
John Balliol publicly resigned the kingdom and royal dignity to the bishop of Durham, acting on behalf of King Edward, at Brechin Castle, in the presence of Donald, earl of Mar, John Comyn, earl of Buchan, John Comyn, lord of … Continue reading
John Balliol issued letters to the French king, Philip IV, appointing four persons to negotiate the marriage between John’s only son, Edward, and a relative of Philip’s.
Scimus fili, the famous papal bull, was drawn up while a Scottish embassy was in Rome for the consecration of David, bishop-elect of Moray. In the bull, Boniface VIII condemned English interference in Scotland and challenged Edward to produce evidence … Continue reading
Robert Bruce was defeated at Methven, near Perth, by English forces under the command of Aymer de Valence.
Duncan, earl of Carrick, died. He was a patron of Melrose Abbey. He was born before 1176 and was styled earl of Carrick between 1189 and 1196. However, he is frequently styled simply as Duncan of Carrick. He was succeeded … Continue reading
Edward I’s progress through Scotland: Edward travelled from Roxburgh to Lauder (5 June) and on to Newbattle Abbey (5-6 June) before finally heading to Edinburgh where he stayed from 6 June to 13 June.
Edward I’s progress through Scotland: Edward returned to Jedburgh (28 May-1 June) before heading back to Roxburgh (1-4 June).
Edward I’s progress through Scotland: Edward was at Roxburgh from 7-23 May, until he departed for Jedburgh (23-24 May) and Castletown (25-27 May).
Alexander II married the Frenchwoman, Marie de Coucy, at Roxburgh. The marriage would produce one son, the future Alexander III, born in 1241.
At Norham, Edward I asked those Scots who were present to accept him as their overlord so that he could arbitrate between the claims of various contenders for the vacant throne of Scotland.
Edward I’s progress through Scotland: Edward remained at Dunbar following the English victory there on 27 April, until 1 May, when he departed for Haddington (2-5 May) and Lauder (6 May).
The Scots were defeated by English at Dunbar. Though the castle belonged to the Patrick, earl of Dunbar or March, who was in English allegiance, his wife was a Comyn and supported the Scots, allowing them to occupy the castle. … Continue reading
Edward I’s progress through Scotland: Edward arrived at Berwick on 30 March and stayed there until he moved northwards to Dunbar on 27 April, the day of the Scottish defeat there.
John Balliol commanded the justiciar of Lothian, Geoffrey de Mowbray, to restore to the monks of Melrose seisin of a common way through the valley of Douglas, of which they had been disseised by William Douglas. Douglas had been a … Continue reading
John Balliol, under house arrest outside London, made a statement in the presence of Anthony Bek and others that while king of Scotland he found in his fellow Scots ‘such malice, deceit, treason and treachery’, and that he believed they … Continue reading
Robert Bruce was inaugurated King of Scots at Scone. He was enthroned by Isabella, wife of John Comyn, earl of Buchan, and aunt of Duncan, earl of Fife. Bishop William Lamberton of St Andrews celebrated mass for the new king … Continue reading
During the night of 18/19 March, King Alexander III was killed falling from his horse in Fife. He had met with his councillors at Edinburgh Castle on 18 March and following this meeting, he set out for Fife where his … Continue reading
At a parliament held at St Andrews, the leading nobles of Scotland wrote to Philip IV of France noting the ‘special affection’ the French king has for their ‘prince and leader’ Robert Bruce and also noting business concerning the Holy … Continue reading
On 11 March, 1302 from the grange of Maybole, Robert de Brus, earl of Carrick, the future king, issued a statement that the abbot and convent of Melrose are exempt from providing forinsec service since they should be, through charters … Continue reading
John Balliol, calling himself King of Scots, withdrew a suit against Edward II, king of England and count of Ponthieu. The suit began in September 1312 after John had erected some dams on property in Ponthieu, for which the steward … Continue reading
The Treaty of Paris between France and Scotland was ratified at a parliament at Dunfermline. This treaty marked the beginning of the ‘Auld Alliance’ between the two kingdoms; however, it was one-sided in favour of France as, should England invade … Continue reading
William and Robert, bishops of St Andrews and Glasgow, John Comyn and James Stewart of Scotland, Guardians of the realm of Scotland by common council, wrote to Alexander de Balliol, chamberlain of Scotland, commanding him to pay to [Thomas] de Clenhill, … Continue reading
John Balliol’s first parliament was held at Scone. Among the cases heard before the king and his council was that of MacDuff, the brother of the murdered Duncan, earl of Fife (d.1289), who claimed rights to the lands of Creich … Continue reading
From Duffus, Reginald Cheyne the younger, with the consent of his wife, Mary, wrote to Archibald, bishop of Moray, presenting to the bishop his chaplain, Robert, to the chapel of Reginald’s castle of Duffus, which had been vacant since the … Continue reading
Prince Alexander, King Alexander’s last surviving child died. The king had already lost his younger son, David, in 1281, and his daughter, Margaret, in childbirth in 1283. Prince Alexander was married to Margaret of Flanders, though they had no children. … Continue reading
King John of England took Berwick before continuing north, devastating Lothian. This was done in response to the giving of allegiance a few days earlier by his own Yorkshire barons to Alexander II of Scotland.
Following several successful sieges, several barons and nobles from Yorkshire came into the peace of King Alexander II at Melrose and gave allegiance to him.
John Balliol released Edward I from the terms of the Treaty of Birgham. The Treaty of Birgham, drawn up in 1290, stipulated that Scotland was to remain separate and divided from England upon the marriage of the Margaret, Maid of … Continue reading
King Henry of England married his daughter, Margaret, to King Alexander III at York. The marriage produced three children, Margaret, Alexander and David, though all pre-deceased their father.
King Alexander II submitted to the young King Henry III of England at Northampton.
Edward II wrote to the governor and men of Dundee and commanded them ‘to defend his town against the attacks of his enemies and rebels in those parts … through all extremity and hardship if need be … in defence … Continue reading
King William died and was succeeded by his son, Alexander, who was inaugurated as king at Scone on 6 December. William was buried on 10 December at Arbroath.
At Berwick, King Alexander II surrendered Carlisle, taken the year before, in return for absolution for himself and nobles, following an excommunication placed on him by Pope Honorius III.
John Balliol, in exile at his ancestral home of Bailleul, wrote to Philip IV asking him to undertake negotiations with Edward I on his behalf. The Scots had recently lost papal support against the English king and any ideas of … Continue reading
John Balliol declared himself ‘heir to the kingdom of Scotland’ in a charter to Bishop Anthony Bek following the Maid of Norway’s death. The charter secured for Bek Scottish royal holdings, including the manors of Wark and Penrith in Tynedale. The … Continue reading
John of Strathbogie, earl of Atholl, was executed in London, following his capture at the Battle of Methven earlier in the year. He was succeeded in the earldom by his son, David (d.1326).
Saher de Quincy, earl of Winchester, died while on crusade at Damietta. He was buried at Acre, though the ashes of his organs were buried at Garendon Abbey. He was succeeded by his son, Roger (d.1264).
Treaty of ‘Auld Alliance’ between Scotland and France was concluded in Paris. The treaty, at least on paper, was one of a mutual Franco-Scottish alliance against King Edward of England. Militarily, though, it was one-sided in France’s favour. Scotland was … Continue reading
King John of England died at Newark, and was later buried at Worcester Cathedral. His death prompted the end of hostilities between England and Scotland and the submission later that year by Alexander II to John’s young heir, Henry III.
Andrew Murray and William Wallace, leaders of the army of the kingdom of Scotland, and the community of the same, issued a letter to the mayors and communities of Lubeck and Hamburg informing them that merchants can now have safe … Continue reading
Bishop William Fraser of St Andrews wrote to King Edward of England, noting that he had heard rumours that Margaret, granddaughter of King Alexander III, died en route to Scotland from Norway. Upon hearing the news, as he reported, Robert … Continue reading
Robert I issued an inspeximus – or inspection – of a charter of John of Luss, knight, at Inchmahome. This document appears to be the first official, surviving charter issued by Robert Bruce as king of Scots after he seized … Continue reading
Treaty of York between England and Scotland signed. Alexander II quitclaimed the rights to the northern English counties of Cumberland, Westmorland and Northumberland; Henry III promised Alexander lands in those counties worth £200 in return.
The Scots, led by Andrew Murray and William Wallace, defeat the English under the command of John de Warenne, earl of Surrey, and Hugh de Cressingham at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Andrew Murray was mortally wounded in battle and … Continue reading
Alexander, son of Alexander II and his second wife, Marie de Coucy, was born. In 1249, he would succeed his father as king of Scotland. Read more about Alexander III here.
On this date, Edward I held a parliament at Berwick, during which many Scots performed homage and fealty him as recorded in the ‘Ragman Roll’. The majority of the more than 1,500 Scots who appear in the Roll performed homage … Continue reading
William Wallace was executed in London. He had been captured at Robroyston near Glasgow on 3 August by Sir John Menteith, sheriff of Dumbarton. He was taken to London and was tried and executed on the same day, having been … Continue reading
King Robert Bruce makes a truce with the people of Durham for a sum of 450 marks. The truce was to last until 24 June 1313, and the people of Durham were given permission to arrest any Scots who happen to … Continue reading
During the war of 1215-17, Alexander II, king of Scots, pursued King John into England, taking the town of Carlisle on this date.
‘The Great Cause’, the judicial process set up to determine the successor to the vacant Scottish throne following the death of the Maid of Norway in 1290, began. Thirteen men would claim rights to the throne, though only two men … Continue reading
While on progress through the kingdom of Scotland, Edward I stayed at Elgin in Moray where Robert, bishop of Glasgow, Alexander, earl of Menteith, and several other Scots performed fealty to him as their liege-lord in his presence. These documents … Continue reading
After spending three years as a (leniently treated) prisoner in England, John Balliol arrived at Wissant-sur-Mer, France, in papal custody. He had been transferred into the custody of the bishop of Vicenza by the terms of an Anglo-French treaty. He … Continue reading
Robert Bruce – the future Robert I – was born, probably at Turnberry Castle, Ayrshire. He was the son of Robert Bruce (d.1304) and Marjory, countess of Carrick. ‘Good King Robert’, as he was later known, is one of the … Continue reading
King Edward I died of dysentery at Burgh-by-Sands in Cumberland. Before his death, Edward apparently wished that his heart be removed and his flesh boiled from his bones so that his bones could lead the English army against the Scots. … Continue reading
At Kincardine, John Balliol wrote to Edward I acknowledging that he had ‘by evil and false counsel, and our own folly grievously offended and angered our lord Edward’, and had defied him by renouncing his homage. Here he seems to … Continue reading
The Scottish army routed the English cavalry at the Battle of Bannockburn; the majority of the battle was fought on 24 June, the feast of St John. The battle was a significant victory for Robert Bruce especially, and led to … Continue reading
Earl David of Huntingdon, brother of the late King William, died at Yardley Hastings, Northampton. Although he wished to be buried at Lindores Abbey in Fife, a Tironensian house which he founded around 1190, he was instead interred at Sawtry … Continue reading
Robert Bruce, the future king, and Bishop William Lamberton of St Andrews made a secret agreement at Cambuskenneth ‘to be of one another’s counsel in all their business and affairs’ against all men and to ‘warn the other of any … Continue reading
Edward I issued a writ of muster to magnates and sheriffs in the north to meet at Norham, signifying the start of the Process of Norham (and later, the Great Cause), the judicial proceedings which would end with the … Continue reading
John Comyn, earl of Buchan, was defeated at Inverurie by Robert Bruce’s forces. Both forces were gathered at Inverurie the previous day, and in the early morning hours of 23 May, a small contingent led by David of Brechin, surprised … Continue reading
Though not a formal parliament, a ‘consilium’ was held on this day at Edinburgh, by John Balliol. Among the matters discussed was the dowry of Margaret, daughter of Guy, count of Flanders, who had been married to Prince Alexander … Continue reading
The English royal army led by Henry III was routed at Lewes by forces led by Simon de Montfort, earl of Leicester, resulting in the capture of several Anglo-Scottish barons, including John (I) Balliol, Robert Bruce and John Comyn. This … Continue reading
In a charter by John Graham to Melrose Abbey, mention is made of a truce between ‘Edward, the illustrious king of England, and Robert de Brus, the captive’. Statements such as these underline problems of loyalty to Robert Bruce in … Continue reading
Roger de Quincy, earl of Winchester and constable of Scotland, died. By his first marriage to Helen, daughter of Alan, lord of Galloway, he had three daughters – Margaret, Elizabeth/Isabel, and Helen – who were his only heirs. Upon … Continue reading
Robert Bruce, the Competitor, grandfather of the future king, made an agreement at his castle of Lochmaben with Sir Nicholas Biggar, in an attempt to gain control of the whole of the Garioch, a lordship formerly held by Earl David … Continue reading
Welcome to the Blog page for ‘The Breaking of Britain’. Each week we will post and comment on events which occurred during our period under investigation, 1216-1314. We hope you enjoy reading!
