LEARNING INTENTIONS

• Describe how the English army attacked Berwick and Dunbar

• Describe the actions of King Edward in 1296 which gave him full control of Scotland

Edward had allowed the Scots some freedom but after their act of rebellion in supporting France in 1296 he set about ensuring

that Scotland would be under his full control.

As a result of Scotland’s refusal to fight France and sign the Auld Alliance, King Edward sent a huge army north.

Some historians have suggested that he had been

planning this since before the Scots rebelled, although this is

not proven.

The first place in Scotland the English army arrived at

was Berwick.

Berwick was one of the most important cities in Scotland. It was a key trading port

and also the first major town, so also first point of

defence.

Berwick was well defended. It had strong defences and

reinforcements were sent by the Scottish nobles to protect

the town and castle.

However many of the Scots had little experience in fighting,

especially in large battles, unlike the English army.

The Scots even crossed into England and attacked places

in the north, including Cumberland.

When Edward’s army eventually reached Berwick,

the Scots were shocked by the size of the English forces.

However they refused an offer from Edward to surrender.

The English attack was brutal. Edward ordered that no-one

was to be spared.

The English army easily defeated Berwick’s defenders.

Some reports suggest up to 15,000 townspeople were

killed, although the surrendering Scots army was

allowed to leave.

The English army now went forward to take control of the

rest of Scotland. Their first stop was Dunbar.

The Earl of Dunbar had already given the castle keys to the English. However his wife (a Comyn) gave control of the castle to the Scots army before

the English arrived.

When the English army arrived at the castle they saw the Scots

had command.

Their leader – John de Warrene, Earl of Surrey –left some soldiers to watch the castle, and the others went to

prepare to fight. The Scots somehow believed this was

actually an English retreat. Warenne’s seal (1301 letter)

The Scots thus decided to charge at the English (giving up their hill advantage). It was a disaster for Scotland.

The better-trained and prepared English easily beat

the attacking Scots. Many Guardians and nobleswere captured or killed.

Edward now marched his army north, taking control of various

Scottish castles as he advanced.

Stirling Castle’s defenders did not even attempt to defend it and handed over the keys to

the English. Stirling was important as the gateway to

the north of Scotland.

Edward’s journey through Scotland

The English invasion had exposed huge weaknesses in

Balliol’s leadership.

He did not lead the Scots army in battle and he seemed to have no idea how to stop England’s army. King John went to the

north of Scotland but eventually sent a note of surrender to Edward.

King John was forced to travel to surrender and

apologise to Edward , which he did at Stracathro

Church in July 1296.

Edward personally rippedthe royal badge of Scotland’s from Balliol’s surcoat, giving

him the nickname ToomTabard.

Toom Tabard: Note the ripped coat and broken sceptre

Balliol and his son were sent to England as prisoners

under house arrest. Eventually they were handed to the Pope who sent them to

live in France.

Edward now turned his attentions to ensuring the Scots could not challenge

him again.

Edward took possession of a number of important Scottish

items:

• Stone of Destiny – Stone that Scottish kings sat on to be crowned

• Earl of Fife – man who crowned the new Scots’ king

• Black Rood of St Margaret

Edward also demanded that all Scots nobles swear an oath of

allegiance to him.

1600 nobles gathered in Berwick in August 1296 to do this. The

document they signed (including Robert the Bruce) is known as the Ragman Rolls. Edward now

had full control of Scotland.