The Bruce’s Scotland

The Bruce’s Scotland 22/3/19 AIM – Learn about how Bruce continued the war against England after Bannockburn. SUCCESS CRITERIA – Be able to describe the key events of the war in Scotland, 1314-1318. Be able to explain the short term significance of Bruce’s victory at Bannockburn. Be able to explain the long term effects of Bannockburn. TASKS Copy today’s aim and heading into your jotter. Through class questioning, recap the reasons why the Scots won at the Battle of Bannockburn. Use our recapped knowledge to attempt an ‘explain’ question. Go through today’s PPt, taking notes of information given in bold. HOMEWORK (due in on Monday 25th March) Complete the ‘explain’ question on Bannockburn. REMINDER Scottish Paper Higher History supported study now running every Wednesday after school in B204 (Mrs Hunter’s room). Next week: the ‘explain’ question.

Why did the Scots win at Bannockburn? Edward arrogantly assumed his march north from Falkirk would sweep the Scots aside Edward II undermined his own army’s chain of command Why did the Scots win at Bannockburn? The English didn’t learn from the failed cavalry charges of the first day Bruce used the landscape to his advantage: the English fought on unfavourable ground. Bruce’s commanders knew the plan – he used his cavalry effectively. English archers were not used effectively

Today’s ‘Big Question’ Take note of the question in your jotter and write an answer drawing upon the notes you have taken today: Explain why the Scottish army were victorious at the Battle of Bannockburn n 1314. (8 marks) Remember to follow your guide on how to answer an ‘explain’ type question! HOMEWORK (due in on Monday 25th March) Complete the ‘explain’ question on Bannockburn.

The aftermath of Bannockburn The Scottish victory at Bannockburn was significant for several reasons: The battle was Scotland’s most significant military victory over the English throughout the entire medieval period. Short term, the impact upon domestic Scottish politics was huge. Scots who’d remained uncertain of the Bruce as king now became supporters. There was a rush of Scottish nobles who’d previously supported Edward now declaring allegiance to the Bruce. His victory at Bannockburn legitimized his reign. Anything you say, boss: After Bannockburn, previously sceptical Scottish lords were falling over themselves to pay homage to Bruce.

Edward had been soundly defeated north of the border and resistance to Bruce’s rule in Scotland was now effectively over. Some of Bruce’s most powerful enemies – such as John Comyn (son of John, ‘the Red’ Comyn) were slain at Bannockburn. The Scots captured many important English nobles at Bannockburn. Some were ransomed for money… …Humphrey de Bohun, the Earl of Hereford, was deemed so important he was exchanged for 15 Scottish prisoners. After 7 years of captivity, Bruce got his wife, daughter and sister back, along with Bishop Wishart of Glasgow. Bruce could now set about restoring the royal succession and securing his position on the throne. Christmas comes early to Scotland: The rewards of Bannockburn saw the pieces of Bruce’s life falling back into place.

The Bruce cemented his control over Scotland by holding another parliament in November 1314 at Cambuskenneth Abbey. Here Bruce passed a new law: Scottish lords were now forbidden to hold lands in Scotland and England. Those who chose to keep their English lands would see their Scottish lands and titles stripped form them. They would be disinherited. The lands of enemy Scots nobles were confiscated and shared out amongst Bruce’s loyal noble supporters, such as Thomas Randolph and James Douglas. Tower of solitude: Once an important abbey near Stirling, Cambuskenneth fell into disuse during the reformation. Its stone was removed and recycled for building projects at Stirling Castle – only the tower remains.

Edward II had escaped the battlefield. Bannockburn did not however mean an end to the war of independence: its long term effects were far less significant: The battle did not represent a significant defeat for the English military machine. England’s economy was vibrant and much larger than Scotland’s. England had far more resources to replenish its losses. The majority of England’s nobles had either not travelled north with Edward’s army or had sent as few men as possible. This limited the impact of English losses. Edward II had escaped the battlefield. . I’ll be back: more frustration than disaster, Bannockburn wasn’t going to stop Edward II from returning to terminate Bruce.

The fight goes on After Bannockburn, the Bruce was unquestionably now the King of Scots – few in Scotland would now stand against him. By August 1314, fighting was renewed. Bruce launched several invasions into northern England, ravaging as far south as Yorkshire. We’re not done yet: until Edward II recognised him officially as the King of Scotland, the war would not be over.

In 1315, the Bruce launched an ambitious attempt to take over Cumbria for the Scots. His forces invaded across the border and besieged Carlisle. This was a serious attempt by the Scots, who build earthworks around the city along with siege engines to attack the walls. The Scottish army was still inexperienced at siege tactics however, and Bruce was eventually forced to abandon his siege. From 1316-1318, Bruce and his commanders launched a series of significant attacks into northern England. Famine in the northern counties of England hampered any effort by Edward to mount a serious threat to the Scots. Two separate attempts to mount expeditions north had to be abandoned due to a lack of provisions for the army. That used to be mine: in 1296, the Bruces had held Carlisle for the English against Balliol’s attacking Scots army. 19 years later the Bruces wanted back in.

In 1318, the war seemed to turn decisively in the Bruce’s favour as Scottish forces captured Berwick. The last English outpost in Scotland finally fell after 6 failed attempts. Sir Robert Keith and Sir James Douglas took the city by stealth after slipping over the walls undetected. Bruce followed up his victory by invading into Northumbria and capturing land and castles as far south as Newcastle. Scottish armies then plundered and raided as far south as Yorkshire. Edward seemed unable to protect northern England. Local nobles and towns were forced to pay the Scots to stay away. . Looking for gold down south: with Edward unable to stop him, Bruce’s forces ranged across northern England, plundering its vulnerable towns and cities.