Why was Scotland so easily subjugated in 1296?

Why was Scotland so easily subjugated in 1296? AIM – Learn why Edward was able to conquer Scotland so quickly in 1296. SUCCESS CRITERIA – Be able to describe the key steps of Edward’s conquest of Scotland in 1296. Be able to explain why Edward was able to conquer Scotland so easily. Be able to make a judgement on the most significant cause of Scottish defeat. TASKS Copy today’s aim and heading into your jotter. Let Neil Oliver guide us through a recap of the events of 1296 with his liquidy-velvet voice. 3. Recap the key events of Edward’s campaign of conquest and subjugation in 1296, building up a mind map of the main points. 4. Go through today’s PPt (following this slide), taking notes of information given in bold. 5. Paste in your handout on Edward’s ‘methods of control’. 6. Complete today’s ‘big question’ before handing in your jotter for the October break. 4/10/18

Play ‘History of Scotland, episode 2: 29.52 – 38.02 Recap activity: Through class discussion, build up a mind map on the board, taking note of the main points. How did Edward conquer and take control of Scotland in 1296? Recap activity: Play ‘History of Scotland, episode 2: 29.52 – 38.02

Disaster at Dunbar After capturing Berwick in his opening move, Edward spent a month fortifying his new acquisition. On 5th April Edward received a message from John formally renouncing his homage. Edward then sent a vanguard of his army north – led by Balliol’s father-in-law, John de Warenne - to seize his next objective: the stronghold of Dunbar. John sent his army to meet the English at Spottsmuir, a hill overlooking the road south from Dunbar. He did not lead them himself. Scottish commanders were inexperienced and naïve – they misread the battle, abandoning a favourable position and throwing away their advantage. The Spott Burn ran red: The flower of Scotland was firmly trampled into the dirt at Dunbar.

The Scottish defeat saw the majority of Balliol’s loyal nobles killed or captured either at the battle or when they were betrayed after fleeing to nearby Dunbar Castle. 100 Scottish nobles, knights and men-at-arms were taken prisoner after the battle. A further 130 surrendered the next day when Edward himself arrived at the gates to Dunbar castle, prompting its surrender. Those taken included John Comyn, Earl of Buchan. With so many of Balliol’s loyal nobles gone, the determination for resistance against Edward faded. Knight-knight: With the nobles gone, the Scottish infantry had lost its leadership. It seemed like a good time to go home…

Poor leadership King John and his remaining Comyn allies failed to take personal responsibility to lead the resistance after Dunbar. The Comyns retreated to their homelands in the north-east. Without strong leadership to stiffen Scottish morale after an initial defeat, resistance crumbled quickly. Only the Gaelic clan MacDougall, in the lands around Oban in the west, offered any real resistance. The next battle: So all that stuff you said about Dunbar was true then? Um, maybe we’ll sit this one out for a bit… I mean, Edward wont come this far north, will he?

The loss of strongholds The major Scottish stronghold at Roxburgh– along with the city it defended - surrendered quickly after only a few days of sporadic fighting. Edinburgh and Jedburgh castles held off Edward a little longer, but surrendered in the face of Edward’s expensive siege weapons rather than suffer bombardment. Stirling – the key to Scotland – didn’t even put up a fight. The caretakers left the keys hanging on the door as the defenders fled before Edward’s approaching army.

Preparation Edward was very well prepared for the invasion of 1296. It has been suggested he had readied his army in the wake of John refusing to give up three castles as an assurance of his continuing allegiance in 1295 during the MacDuff dispute. He was only delayed to 1296 due to the rebellion in Wales. This campaign also helped to make Edward’s army battle-hardened by the time he invaded Scotland. Edward’s arsenal: English longbows were the most feared weapon on the medieval battlefield.

Important nobles of the Bruce faction chose to remain loyal to Edward. The Scots were poorly prepared for war. The army was not well trained, having last been summoned to muster a host for war in 1263. The defences at Berwick also had to be hastily reinforced. Important nobles of the Bruce faction chose to remain loyal to Edward. Time to suit up: The men of Scotland thought they looked the business until they actually had to use their pointy spears… Old Bruce: Finally dead as of March 1295, he would have loved to have seen Balliol get a kicking!

Edward’s methods of control Used legally-binding oaths of loyalty to control nobles. Oath-breakers could legally be executed and dispossessed. 1600 nobles and leading burgesses forced to sign. Ragman Roll Toom Tabard Edward’s methods of control Edward legally strips John of his crown and symbols of office. He is made to renounce his treaty with France. He is imprisoned in the Tower of London. John de Warenne is made governor Hugh de Cressingham is made Treasurer New taxes and laws imposed. New Government

Today’s ‘Big Question’ Take note of the questions below in your jotter and write an answer drawing upon the notes you have taken today. Complete for homework if not finished in class: Based on the evidence you have, what was the most significant factor leading to Scotland’s defeat in the war of 1296? REMINDER – Hand in your jotters at the end of today’s lesson! Don’t ask…: The Earl of Atholl reflects on how 1296 went.