The Great Cause We will be exploring: the main competitors to the throne of Scotland Edward I’s choice of King

David, Earl of Huntingdon The Great Cause There were 14 competitors, even the King of Norway tried his luck! Only 3 had serious claims to the throne Malcolm IV 1153-1165 William the Lion 1165-1214 David, Earl of Huntingdon died 1219 Alexander II 1214-1249 Margaret m Lord of Galloway Isabella m Lord of Annandale Ada m Henry Hastings Alexander III 1249-1286 Henry Devorgilla Robert Bruce Robert Bruce Margaret m Eric II of Norway John of Hastings John of Hastings John Balliol John Balliol Margaret ‘The Maid of Norway’ 1286-1290

The Main Competitors Robert Bruce John of Hastings John Balliol

August 1291: Edward established a court at Berwick to judge the claims to the throne. ?

It was a two horse race between Balliol and Bruce. John Balliol Important Scottish family in Galloway It was a two horse race between Balliol and Bruce. Robert Bruce Important Scottish Noble in Annandale John of Hastings No Land or real importance in Scotland.

The Great Cause Edward of England had to choose between the 13 claimants to the throne. However, there were really only three main contestants. Who had the ‘King factor’?

Activity In small groups, you will read through the information you have been given on your ‘King Factor’ candidate. You must: Make a list of reasons why your candidate should be King! Try to convince the class to choose your candidate – in a 60 second pitch.

How was the decision made? Balliol and Bruce were each asked to appoint 40 ‘auditors’ The auditors would listen to the arguments of each competitor and his lawyers Edward I appointed 24 auditors For 18 months there was discussion, argument, gathering and presenting of evidence

17 November 1292 After 18 months King Edward I announced his judgement….. ?

John Balliol

On 12th November, 1292 Edward I chose Balliol to be King of Scots. Reaction of the Bruce family: Anger Would not accept Balliol as King Determined to continue their claim The Award of Berwick On 12th November, 1292 Edward I chose Balliol to be King of Scots. This was no big surprise. Even 29 auditors chosen by Bruce voted for Balliol! Balliol’s coronation: Took place at Scone St Andrews Day (30 Nov 1292) Sat on Stone of Destiny

2 weeks later at Newcastle John Balliol paid homage to Edward I 26 Dec 1292 2 weeks later at Newcastle John Balliol paid homage to Edward I During the ceremony, Balliol: Knelt in front of Edward I (his master) Promised to obey Edward Accepted Edward as his overlord Accepted if he broke his promise he would be punished severely

My Lord, Lord Edward, lord superior of the realm of Scotland, I, John Balliol, King of the Scots, hereby become your liegeman for the whole realm of Scotland….and I will maintain faith and fealty to you and your heirs, the kings of England.

Balliol was to become a puppet King

Why did Edward choose John Balliol? Balliol agreed to pay homage to King Edward Balliol agreed that Edward was Overlord of Scotland Balliol was descended from the eldest daughter of Earl of Huntingdon Balliol was nearest heir of Margaret, Maid of Norway Several Scots nobles felt they should be King; there was fear of civil war. Some historians argue that Edward chose him because he would be easy to control.

Source A was written by a historian in 2001. John of Hastings really had the weakest claim to the throne of Scotland. He wasn’t as strong as Bruce and was further removed from the throne than Balliol. Balliol came from a strong family who had close ties with the powerful Comyns. He was a weaker character than Bruce, but, he was descended from the eldest daughter of the Earl of Huntingdon. It was a difficult choice to make, and fearful of civil war, Edward I was asked to make the choice. Assess the usefulness of Source A as evidence of why Edward I chose Balliol to be King of Scots. (5)

Knowledge Check… Three reasons why Balliol was chosen to be King. Name two vows Balliol said when paying homage to Edward. What was the award of Berwick?