Key Issue 2: John Balliol and Edward I, 1292-96 Balliol’s Challenge

Balliol’s Challenge 17/9/18 AIM – Learn about the challenges facing King John Balliol when he took the throne. SUCCESS CRITERIA – Be able to describe the problems facing John Balliol in ruling Scotland. Be able to make an assessment of John’s chances of success in his new role. TASKS 1. Copy today’s aim and heading into your jotter. 2. Recap the Great Cause with Neil Oliver. 3. In groups, discuss the problems which may have lain ahead for John Balliol upon taking the throne of Scotland. Share our ideas in plenary to construct a class scatter diagram of our ideas on the board. 4. Go through today’s PPt (following this slide), taking notes where directed. 5. Write your answer to ‘today’s big questions’. HOMEWORK DUE TODAY Complete the ‘how fully’ question on the succession crisis.

Settle in for a recap with Neil! The Great Cause Settle in for a recap with Neil! Watch ‘History of Scotland’, episode 2, 25:02 – 29:55

Balliol’s Challenge What problems do you think now lay ahead for Balliol during his reign? In groups, make a small scatter diagram outlining what challenges you think Balliol faced at the outset of his rule of Scotland in November 1292. Smooth operator: the delays of the Great Cause allowed John plenty time to work on his ‘look’.

1. Overlord and vassal The oath of homage between Balliol and Edward I changed the nature of Scottish and English politics. John was made to swear fealty twice to Edward. In Newcastle, soon after his coronation at Scone, and again a few weeks later at Norham. Edward chose the wording of the oath. It spelled out the new status between England and Scotland. Edward had given the throne to John and now John owed a debt to Edward for all the lands of Scotland. It reduced Scotland to client status and set the two kingdoms on the inevitable path towards war. A bit pricey?: John was left to consider the cost of gaining Scotland’s crown.

Never before had a Scottish King submitted so thoroughly. Edward could now claim complete control over Scotland. He had the legal right to interfere in Scottish affairs just as he was able to do in any of the lands in England. For Edward, John’s oath was the climax of several years of hard work to secure his position as ruler for all of Britain. Edward had the upper hand and Balliol knew it. “Some historians suggest this was his aim all along. There is no evidence to back up this claim, but when we look at Edward’s aggressive behaviour before, during and after the Great Cause it is difficult to see what else he had on his mind!”

2. The Bruces Bruce the competitor resigned as Lord of Annandale and gave up his claim to the throne in disgust at Edward’s judgement. His title passed to his son, also Robert. The Bruces and their allies amongst the Scottish nobility were slow to swear their fealty to King John. Their lack of support would present an on-going problem for the new king. Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale: still not dead yet.

3. The rebellious west The Western Isles and Argyll were locked in a cycle of bitter blood feuds and clan wars in the 1290s. John appointed his favoured lords in the region to act as his sheriffs and exert royal power, but they met with limited success. Royal authority was limited in this part of the kingdom and King John had little control here. The Gallowglass: the fearsome mercenary warriors from the Western Isles would play a key role in the war to come.

4. Education and training John was the head of the powerful Balliol family. Even so, he was a relatively inexperienced politician. As the 4th male of 10 children, his older brothers had all been given more instruction about ruling a major political family and John was unprepared for the task ahead. ‘I dunno, boss…’ ‘What do we do now, Steve?’

5. The Interregnum Scotland had been without a king for 6 years. The Guardians had lacked royal authority and the administrative system of the kingdom had grown weak during the interregnum. With many of Balliol’s subjects not paying taxes, the kingdom’s finances were in poor shape.

6. Scotland’s new government Edward saw the administration of Scotland as not solely being the responsibility of the king of Scots. Edward insisted that John accept an Englishman – Thomas of Hunsingore – to be his new chancellor, to set up an exchequer in the English style. As with the English system, the job title of John’s chief finance minister was to be changed from ‘chamberlain’ to ‘treasurer’. Master Thomas of Hunsingore: a noted mood-hoover.

Hunsingore advised John and set about changing elements of the traditional Scottish customs of collecting taxes and goods. Edward also ordered the wording of the Royal Seal of Scotland to be changed. It was clear that John’s reign had begun under Edward’s control. John Balliol’s new royal seal: ‘By God’s grace, John, King of Scots’ (*signed ‘Edward’*)…

Questions on Balliol’s reign In the past, historians put forward the argument that John Balliol was chosen only because Edward saw him as weak and easy to manipulate. But was this really the case? 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: King John’s reign would prove to be a time of struggle. Given the obstacles Balliol faced, can historians judge him as ‘weak’ if he failed? What in your opinion was the greatest obstacle John faced to his rule, and why? If you were to put yourself in Balliol’s shoes at this time, how would you try to overcome the obstacles to your rule? Relax: John’s got this…

Where could History take you next? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtGBX3eygGs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Km4lRXw2Ns