1. Wars of Independence Exam Questions
Intermediate

2. Source A describes events in Scotland after the death of Alexander III.
The sudden, tragic loss of their king alarmed the Scots because a kingdom needed a king who was old enough to rule. However, there was no panic or sense of disaster at that time. The nobles quickly met at Scone and swore to keep the peace in Scotland. They elected a committee of six Guardians to govern Scotland.
1. Why did the Scots elect Guardians to rule Scotland in 1286? (Use Source A and recall.)
4 marks

3. Source B
from a promise made by the Scottish nobles to Alexander III, after his son’s death in 1284:
“We faithfully promise that if our Lord King happens to die leaving no legitimate son or daughter of his body, or of Alexander his son, we will accept Margaret, daughter of our King’s daughter Margaret, late Queen of Norway, as rightful heir of our King.”
2. Describe the reasons for this promise. (Use Source B and recall) (Show knowledge and understanding of events and issues)

4. 3. How reliable is this account of Edward’s intentions?
Source C
from Edward I’s promise in the Treaty of Birgham, 1290:
“The rights, laws, liberties and customs of Scotland in all matters and in all ways shall be wholly preserved for all time throughout the whole of that kingdom and its borders”
3. How reliable is this account of Edward’s intentions?
(Evaluate source C and put it into historical context – you should include recall)

5. Source D
from the Bishop of St Andrews’ letter to Edward I, 1290 – the Bishop was one of the Guardians:
“There has been sounded through the people a sorrowful rumour that our Lady Margaret be dead, on which account the kingdom of Scotland is troubled. Robert Bruce has come with a great following to Perth, but what he intends to do we do not know. The Earls of Mar and Atholl are already collecting their army.”
4. Explain why this crisis had come about. (Use Source D and recall). (Explain historical developments and events)

6. 5. Describe the events between 1286 and 1292 that led to Edward I becoming overlord of Scotland.
5 marks

7. 6. Describe what happened when Edward I attacked Berwick in 1296.
5 marks

8. Source E describes the English attack on Berwick in 1296
King Edward waited for three days. On the fourth day, some of the people of Berwick attacked his fleet which lay in the harbour waiting for his orders. They killed some of his sailors. The womenfolk tried to burn the ships. Edward then sent his troops into action.
7. Describe what happened when King Edward attacked Berwick in (Use Source E and recall)
3 marks

9. Source F
from an English chronicler’s description of the siege and capture of Berwick by Edward I (1296):
“The King tried to persuade the leading men to surrender, promising them personal safety, security for their possessions, pardon for their offences. He waited for three days. They gave no reply to his generous offer. He spoke to them in a friendly manner; they redoubled their insults. Some of them putting themselves on the heights, bared their buttocks and insulted the King. Others fiercely attacked the fleet. Troops were brought into action and the city occupied. No fewer than fifteen thousand men and women perished, some by the sword, others by fire.”
8. Does Source F provide an accurate account of the siege and destruction of Berwick? (Evaluate source F and put it into historical context – you should include recall)

10. 9. Describe the events that led to the defeat and capture of King John Balliol.
5 marks