The end of the Canmore dynasty

The End of the Canmore Dynasty 27/8/18 AIM – Learn how the Canmore dynasty came to an end and the repercussions upon Scotland’s rule. SUCCESS CRITERIA – Be able to describe the end of the Canmore dynasty. Be able to describe the political moves of the main contenders for Scotland’s vacant throne in 1290-91. Be able to make an assessment of Edward’s true aims at this stage in events. TASKS 1. Copy today’s aim and heading into your jotter. 2. Recap the ‘Treaty of Birgham’ and the work of the Guardians to protect Scotland’s independence. 3. Go through today’s PPt (following this slide), taking notes and answering question where directed. 4. Complete an answer to today’s ‘big question’. HOMEWORK (3 pieces, all for FRIDAY 31st August): Complete the ‘evaluate the usefulness’ question on Birgham for FRIDAY. Complete today’s ‘big question’ on Edward and the Great Cause for FRIDAY. Learn your role for our class Great Cause and bring an item of food/drink on FRIDAY.

In September 1290, tragedy again befell Scotland In September 1290, tragedy again befell Scotland. Margaret, the Maid of Norway died on the voyage from Norway to Orkney. She was 7 years old. The exact cause of her death is not known, although it is likely that she caught pneumonia on the sea voyage and failed to recover. All the negotiated plans - based on the assumption that Margaret would be queen and the young Prince Edward king –drawn up by Alexander III, Edward I, the Guardians and Eric II of Norway were brought to nothing. The Canmore dynasty of Alexander III was at an end. The end of a dynasty Viking longship: gets a bit chilly

Storm clouds gather Bishop Fraser: Guardian steps up to save his people. A confused account of the Maid’s death created rumours and disturbance across the Scotland. A ‘dread of civil war’ descended on the kingdom. There was an urgent need for authority of some kind to prevent the situation from degenerating. The obvious choice was King Edward I. In October 1290, Bishop Fraser wrote to Edward asking him to come to the border ‘for the consolation of the Scottish people’ and to prevent ‘the shedding of blood’ by setting the rightful heir on the throne.

The positioning begins Bishop Fraser’s letter implied strongly that the Balliol faction were the rightful heirs. The Bruce faction gathered their forces early and also wrote a letter to Edward. At this point, Edward was being invited into taking an interest in Scottish affairs rather than forcing intervention for his own gains. As 1290 drew to a close, each faction prepared its claim for the throne of Scotland…

The Balliols & the Comyns Bishop Fraser’s letter asking Edward to help choose Scotland's next king had a heavy pro-Balliol bias. This showed that the committee of the Guardians was now dominated by Comyn and Balliol interests. The Balliols believed that they legally had the strongest claim to the vacant throne. This didn’t prevent Balliol slipping a sizeable bribe to Edward I’s right hand man in the North – Anthony Bek, the Bishop Prince of Durham! John Balliol: just seeing if it fits…

The Bruce faction Upon news of the Maid’s death, 75 year-old Lord Robert Bruce raised an army and marched on Scone, near Perth, the traditional coronation site of Scottish kings. He didn’t declare his intentions, but the Bruce’s move worried Bishop Fraser so much that the Guardian sent the letter to Edward I asking for his help. After Bishop Fraser’s letter, Bruce aborted his military coup. Bruce sent his own letter to Edward I asking for help, known as ‘the Appeal of the Seven Earls’. This was a mixture of Bruce propaganda, tradition and invention. It also asked Edward I for help, this time against the schemes of Bishop Fraser and John Comyn. Robert Bruce, 5th Lord of Annandale: continually surprised his rivals by refusing to die.

Edward’s agenda In October 1290, Edward I was invited into Scotland’s affairs as an impartial judge, though his position would soon change… It was to everyone’s relief that Edward decided that the dispute over the throne of Scotland should be decided by himself, but… He would only act if he was first made Scotland’s Overlord. In March 1291, he ordered English monasteries to search their chronicles for any evidence that Kings of England had basis for legal rights over Scotland. Edward I: in it to win it?

Historical debate: 1291 Historians disagree over Edward’s intentions towards Scotland in 1291. Take note of the main arguments: Edward was impartial: Edward wants Scotland for himself: If Edward’s authority was not recognised by all, his decision on the next king could be challenged, causing civil war. Edward was invited by both of the major factions to help choose a new king. Edward had chosen kings for other countries. Edward had made good laws in his own land. Edward’s monasteries were searching their records to support Edward I’s own claim over Scotland. Edward had already conquered Wales and parts of Ireland. He wanted to rule all of the British Isles. Edward could take advantage of being made Overlord of Scotland. The death of the Maid had robbed Edward of his chance to bring Scotland under his family’s rule and he would not miss a 2nd opportunity.

The Great Cause begins… In April 1291, Edward came north to the border with Scotland to begin the process of choosing Scotland’s next king. The border followed the line of the River Tweed – as it does today. Edward took up court at Norham castle on the south bank. The Scottish contenders gathered at Upsettlington on the north bank. The ‘Great Cause’ to choose Scotland’s next king had begun…

Today’s ‘Big Question’ Take note of the question in your jotter and write an answer drawing upon the notes you have taken today. Complete for homework if not finished in class (homework 1): Were Edward I’s intentions towards Scotland positive or negative at the outset of the ‘Great Cause’ in 1291? Homework 2: draw your role for our class ‘Great Cause’ from the pot. If you are a contender, you must memorise your claim. EVERYONE should please bring one item of food or drink to class on FRIDAY 31st AUGUST for our breakfast banquet! Homework 3: REMINDER – your ‘evaluate the usefulness’ question on the Treaty of Birgham is due on Friday 31st August.