Scottish: Issue 1

Question 1

Why was the fact that Alexander’s sons all predeceased him a problem?

Answer 1

Because Yolande, Alexanders new wife was not pregnant when he died thus producing no male heir.

Question 2

Who did the nobles agree to be heir in 1284?

Answer 2

The nobles agreed that Margret, Maid of Norway was to be heir however, this was very difficult because she was a minor and female.

Question 3

Who was appointed to rule during the minority of Margaret?

Answer 3

6 Guardians from the nobility of the church were appointed to rule. The community of the realm required the agreement of the barons, nobles and the church, this was not an easy task.

Question 4

What was the significant problem with the minority rule?

Answer 4

It would make Scotland vulnerable to both powerful neighbours and powerful families within Scotland.

Question 5

What s the problem between the Comyn and Bruce family?

Answer 5

Historical long-term ill feeling could lead to civil was if unchecked by firm royal authority.

Question 6

What did Edward fear?

Answer 6

Instability north of the border could interfere with his campaign in France.

Question 7

What could Edward use to his advantage during the minority rule?

Answer 7

Scotlands vulnerability could allow him to expand his kingdom north.

Question 8

What could Edward possibly do during the minority rule?

Answer 8

Edward could aim to establish feudal overlordship across the Scottish Kingdom, there was historical precedent for this?

Question 9

There was a possibility for Civil war in Scotland during the minority rule and several families saw this as an opportunity. What did Robert Bruce do?

Answer 9

He gathered an army and seized Royal Castles - Dumfries, Wigton and Buittle.

Question 10

Who accepted secession to Margaret?

Answer 10

Edward, this would join Scotland and England together and the Scots would have to firmly deal with Edward to maintain their independence.

Question 11

Where and when did Margaret die?

Answer 11

She died on her way to Scotland in Orkney in 1290, she was 7.

Question 12

Who were raising armies due to the increasing tension of a civil war?

Answer 12

Scottish Factions, The Bruce Family and the Earl of Mar and Atholl.

Question 13

What did Bishop Fraser believe in relation to possibilities of the civil war?

Answer 13

That Edward should come to an agreement with Bruce to avoid civil war?

Question 14

What did the guardians compromise?

Answer 14

Their own independence by inviting the intervention of Edward.

Question 15

What did the next in line to the thrown have to have during the possibility of civil war in Scotland?

Answer 15

A bloodline going back to David I.

Question 16

Why was Edward asked to intervene in arbitrating between claims?

Answer 16

Relative of the late queen, a statesman and renowned lawmaker.

Question 17

What did Edward insist in regards to the contest for the rule?

Answer 17

It should be wider than 2 contestants, this would elevate Edwards position from merely chosing between two claimants to judging a full competition.

Question 18

How many claimants were there?

Answer 18

13 but only 3 were serious; Bruce, Balliol and Hastings.

Question 19

What did the 13 claimants become recognised as?

Answer 19

The Award of Norham in the summer of 1291.

Question 20

What did all claimants acknowledge in the summer of 1291?

Answer 20

That Edward had legal possession over Scotland and he was all of the claimants’ overlord and Scotland was his to give away. However, it was understood that he would give away his position after closing the new king.

Question 21

Who did Edward chose to be king and when?

Answer 21

Balliol on 17 November 1292 as he was the closest in relation to David of Huntingdon, this followed the law of primogeniture.

Question 22

What did Hastings claim?

Answer 22

That Scotland should be divided into 3, was thrown out because Scotland was recognised as a kingdom not a piece of land and therefore indivisible.