Issue 6 – Scottish resistance and English invasions, 1298-1305
Notable (newer) people
Baldred Bisset – Scottish lawyer who
Pope Boniface VII – head of Catholic Church 1294-1303
John De Soules – Former supporter of William Wallace, now the guardian who ‘acted in the name’ of Balliol
William Lamberton – Third guardian of Scotland, joining Bruce and Comyn after the bad spirits at Peebles
Ingram De Umfraville – Was a constable of castle of Dumbarton before he was captured at Berwick and
forced to pay homage to Edward I. Following this homage, Ingram fought with the English during the Battle
of Falkirk on 22 July 1298. By 1299, and switching allegiance, Ingram fought on the side of the Scots in the
recapture of Stirling castle, rending it from English control.
Auld Alliance; Forged by a treaty signed on 23 October 1295 by King of Scots John Balliol and Philip IV of
France, it stated that if either country was attacked by the English, the other would retaliate.
Background/Context
-Defeat at Falkirk in 1298
-Edward I despite it all was not able to re-establish control over the northern kingdom.
This was because Edward’s army, wracked by hunger and disease, advanced to Stirling, then
turned south-west into Carrick and Annandale, probably hoping to capture young Robert Bruce,
the earl of Carrick. But Bruce was nowhere to be found, and Edward ordered his depleted army
to retreat, while his earls squabbled over forfeited Scottish estates they had expected to receive
from their king as a reward for campagning.
-Problems at home and in France would prevent Edward I from returning to scotland until July
1300, while in the meantime the scots were able to establish some form of security and stability
for the kingdom by appointing guardians of scotland – establishing the second Interregnum of
Scotland since 1286-1292.
-William Wallace resigned as Guardian right after the defeat at Falkirk, unable to rule due
to the guilt of his poor commanding style.
-The guardianship continued however, directly due to Wallace bringing this style of government
back. Representatives of a younger generation of the political community stepped forward to
replace him: John Comyn the Younger, son of the lord of Badenoch, and Robert Bruce, the
earl of Carrick. It was a bold show of political unity
-Edward was not the only administration in Scotland and the Scottish administration up north
was arguably more successful – according to Fiona Watson.
-In 1299 they were joined by a ‘chief guardian’ William Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews.
, -In 1300, Bruce left the guardianship and was replaced by Ingram de Umfraville.
-This three ruling guardianship lasted until 1301, until they were all replaced by one guardian
John De Soules who was a prominent supporter of William Wallace’s rebellions.
Guardianship
-The guardianship survived after Falkirk and returned to its traditional membership dominated by
the leaders of the political community. However it was representative (relatively), especially to
the younger generations who stepped forward to replace Wallace.
-The release of Balliol was granted by Edward I in 1299, this must have an influence on
Bruce in some way, considering that he was never pro-Balliol in any shape or form during the
Great Cause. This ultimate led him to resign as guardian by early 1300, his replacement being
Ingram De Umfraville which left the government a pro-Balliol and Comyn dominated field.
-This suggested a Balliol restoration, possibly backed by French military assistance, and this is
supported by the appointment of John Soules as Guardian.
Soules Guardianship 1301-1302
-Historians believe Sir. John Soules was appointed by John Balliol from France
-There is doubt that John Comyn continued as joint guardian as there are documents
issued primarily in Soules name.
-The letters in Soules name have him acting “in the name of” rather than earlier guardians who
acted “on behalf of King John” suggesting a immense support from Balliol and input.
-Historians praise Soules as a good guardian and leader because;
-He was wise, this was due to his old age. Bruce and Comyn were younger than he was, as such
it could be suggested that Soules had more experience and wisdom and knowledge and so was
the best fit to be guardian.
-He was a wealthy landowner and a noble, with a link to the Comyns by marriage which
could suggest that he could get useful information and advice from his family. His rule would be
protected
-His lands were neighbours to the Bruce’s in the south-west, as such he had an advantageous
position in society and perhaps because of this he was considered best fit for the guardianship.
-Soules was a good commander, in warfare he led the Scot’s forces well, probing the English
but avoiding major battles. His strategy was significant and was much needed as the Scot’s and
the English were right below each others noses, major battle could only occur when a country
and its army were united and strong, along with rich.
Notable (newer) people
Baldred Bisset – Scottish lawyer who
Pope Boniface VII – head of Catholic Church 1294-1303
John De Soules – Former supporter of William Wallace, now the guardian who ‘acted in the name’ of Balliol
William Lamberton – Third guardian of Scotland, joining Bruce and Comyn after the bad spirits at Peebles
Ingram De Umfraville – Was a constable of castle of Dumbarton before he was captured at Berwick and
forced to pay homage to Edward I. Following this homage, Ingram fought with the English during the Battle
of Falkirk on 22 July 1298. By 1299, and switching allegiance, Ingram fought on the side of the Scots in the
recapture of Stirling castle, rending it from English control.
Auld Alliance; Forged by a treaty signed on 23 October 1295 by King of Scots John Balliol and Philip IV of
France, it stated that if either country was attacked by the English, the other would retaliate.
Background/Context
-Defeat at Falkirk in 1298
-Edward I despite it all was not able to re-establish control over the northern kingdom.
This was because Edward’s army, wracked by hunger and disease, advanced to Stirling, then
turned south-west into Carrick and Annandale, probably hoping to capture young Robert Bruce,
the earl of Carrick. But Bruce was nowhere to be found, and Edward ordered his depleted army
to retreat, while his earls squabbled over forfeited Scottish estates they had expected to receive
from their king as a reward for campagning.
-Problems at home and in France would prevent Edward I from returning to scotland until July
1300, while in the meantime the scots were able to establish some form of security and stability
for the kingdom by appointing guardians of scotland – establishing the second Interregnum of
Scotland since 1286-1292.
-William Wallace resigned as Guardian right after the defeat at Falkirk, unable to rule due
to the guilt of his poor commanding style.
-The guardianship continued however, directly due to Wallace bringing this style of government
back. Representatives of a younger generation of the political community stepped forward to
replace him: John Comyn the Younger, son of the lord of Badenoch, and Robert Bruce, the
earl of Carrick. It was a bold show of political unity
-Edward was not the only administration in Scotland and the Scottish administration up north
was arguably more successful – according to Fiona Watson.
-In 1299 they were joined by a ‘chief guardian’ William Lamberton, Bishop of St. Andrews.
, -In 1300, Bruce left the guardianship and was replaced by Ingram de Umfraville.
-This three ruling guardianship lasted until 1301, until they were all replaced by one guardian
John De Soules who was a prominent supporter of William Wallace’s rebellions.
Guardianship
-The guardianship survived after Falkirk and returned to its traditional membership dominated by
the leaders of the political community. However it was representative (relatively), especially to
the younger generations who stepped forward to replace Wallace.
-The release of Balliol was granted by Edward I in 1299, this must have an influence on
Bruce in some way, considering that he was never pro-Balliol in any shape or form during the
Great Cause. This ultimate led him to resign as guardian by early 1300, his replacement being
Ingram De Umfraville which left the government a pro-Balliol and Comyn dominated field.
-This suggested a Balliol restoration, possibly backed by French military assistance, and this is
supported by the appointment of John Soules as Guardian.
Soules Guardianship 1301-1302
-Historians believe Sir. John Soules was appointed by John Balliol from France
-There is doubt that John Comyn continued as joint guardian as there are documents
issued primarily in Soules name.
-The letters in Soules name have him acting “in the name of” rather than earlier guardians who
acted “on behalf of King John” suggesting a immense support from Balliol and input.
-Historians praise Soules as a good guardian and leader because;
-He was wise, this was due to his old age. Bruce and Comyn were younger than he was, as such
it could be suggested that Soules had more experience and wisdom and knowledge and so was
the best fit to be guardian.
-He was a wealthy landowner and a noble, with a link to the Comyns by marriage which
could suggest that he could get useful information and advice from his family. His rule would be
protected
-His lands were neighbours to the Bruce’s in the south-west, as such he had an advantageous
position in society and perhaps because of this he was considered best fit for the guardianship.
-Soules was a good commander, in warfare he led the Scot’s forces well, probing the English
but avoiding major battles. His strategy was significant and was much needed as the Scot’s and
the English were right below each others noses, major battle could only occur when a country
and its army were united and strong, along with rich.
