Wars of Scottish Independence

The First War of Scottish Independence began after the Scots refused to join England in a war with France in 1294.

The Scots instead signed a Treaty with France, resulting in King Edward I of England leading his troops into Scotland in 1296, soon capturing most of the country, as far north as Inverness.

The Scots began a series of attacks on the English from 1297, with the English forced to retreat back over the border after their defeat at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

After years of battles in the Border areas, the English signed the Treaty of Edinburgh in 1328, ending the First War of Scottish Independence.

Events that led to the First War of Scottish Independence were: the death of King Alexander III Canmore of Scotland. He died in March 1286, age 44, after a fall from his horse.

His only heir was the 7 year old Margaret, Maid of Norway, who died on the Isle of Orkney in September 1290 when traveling to Scotland.

This was the end of the Canmore Kings that had ruled from 1058, building most of the large Castles, Abbeys and Cathedrals in Scotland.

The Scots then began debating who should become the new King, with John Balliol and Robert the Bruce being the two top contenders, as they were distant relations of the Canmore Kings.

1292 - John Balliol was chosen by Nobles to be the new King of Scotland, with King Edward I of England said to have influenced their decision.

1294 - Edward I tried to pressure the Scots to join England in a war against France, but the Scots formed an alliance with France instead.

1296 - forces led by Edward I invaded Scotland, soon taking control of Scotland as far north as Inverness.

John Balliol was forced to abdicate at this time, then later move to France.

Some Historians claim Balliol was meant to be running Scotland for Edward I, but the Scottish Nobles prevented him from doing what Edward I wanted.

Many Scots Clans were forced to sign a document at that time, accepting Edward I of England as their ruler.

1297 early - a series of uprisings began, led by Andrew Moray and William Wallace.

1297 September - a large Scots Army led by Moray and Wallace defeated a large English Army at Stirling Bridge, Moray died of wounds soon after.

Wallace then led Scottish forces into England were they destroyed many villages and towns before returning to Scotland.

1298 July - the English defeated the Scots at Falkirk.

1305 - William Wallace was captured, taken to London, then brutally executed.

1306 - Robert the Bruce was crowned King of Scotland, then began leading the quest to remove the English from Scotland.

1314 - Robert the Bruce led the Scots to victory over a huge English Army at Bannockburn by Stirling, forcing the English back over the border.

1327 - forces of Robert the Bruce began raiding north England.

1328 - the English signed the Treaty of Edinburgh, ending the First War of Scottish Independence.

1329 - Robert the Bruce died, with his son David II becoming King at the age of 5.

Second War of Scottish Independence

1332 - a Second War of Scottish Independence began after Edward Balliol, son of John Balliol, tried to overthrow David II with the support of King Edward III of England.

The French backed David II, leading to a series of battles over many years.

The many battles took their toll on both sides, with the Scots showing they were unlikely to ever accept being ruled by England.

1357 - the Treaty of Berwick ended the Second War of Scottish Independence.

List of Scotland Kings

Early Scottish Kings ruled just parts of Scotland such as Kenneth I MacAlpin, and Macbeth.

The Canmore Kings were the first to rule most of Scotland, building many of the large Castles, Abbeys and Cathedrals that can still be seen today.

Malcom III Canmore 1058 - 1093

Donald III Canmore 1093 - 1097

Edgar Canmore 1097 - 1107

Alexander I Canmore 1107 - 1124

David I Canmore 1124 - 1153

Malcom IV Canmore - 1153 - 1165

William I Canmore 1165 - 1214

Alexander II Canmore 1214 - 1249

Alexander III Canmore 1249 - 1286

Margaret, Maid of Norway - 1286 - 1290 granddaughter of Canmore

John Balliol 1292 - 1296 chosen by Nobles

Under English Rule

Robert the Bruce 1306 - 1329 made King during war with England

David II Bruce 1329 - 1371

Robert II Stewart 1371 - 1390 descendant of Bruce

Robert III Stewart 1390 - 1406

James I Stewart 1406 - 1437

James II Stewart 1437 - 1460

James III Stewart 1460 - 1488

James IV Stewart 1488 - 1513

James V Stewart 1513 - 1542

Mary I Stewart 1542 - 1567

James VI Stewart 1567 - 1625 became King of England and Ireland as well in 1603

Kings and Queens from this time mainly lived in London England.