After spending three years as a (leniently treated) prisoner in England, John Balliol arrived at Wissant-sur-Mer, France, in papal custody. He had been transferred into the custody of the bishop of Vicenza by the terms of an Anglo-French treaty. He … Continue reading
Robert Bruce – the future Robert I – was born, probably at Turnberry Castle, Ayrshire. He was the son of Robert Bruce (d.1304) and Marjory, countess of Carrick. ‘Good King Robert’, as he was later known, is one of the … Continue reading
King Edward I died of dysentery at Burgh-by-Sands in Cumberland. Before his death, Edward apparently wished that his heart be removed and his flesh boiled from his bones so that his bones could lead the English army against the Scots. … Continue reading
At Kincardine, John Balliol wrote to Edward I acknowledging that he had ‘by evil and false counsel, and our own folly grievously offended and angered our lord Edward’, and had defied him by renouncing his homage. Here he seems to … Continue reading
The Scottish army routed the English cavalry at the Battle of Bannockburn; the majority of the battle was fought on 24 June, the feast of St John. The battle was a significant victory for Robert Bruce especially, and led to … Continue reading
Earl David of Huntingdon, brother of the late King William, died at Yardley Hastings, Northampton. Although he wished to be buried at Lindores Abbey in Fife, a Tironensian house which he founded around 1190, he was instead interred at Sawtry … Continue reading
Robert Bruce, the future king, and Bishop William Lamberton of St Andrews made a secret agreement at Cambuskenneth ‘to be of one another’s counsel in all their business and affairs’ against all men and to ‘warn the other of any … Continue reading
Edward I issued a writ of muster to magnates and sheriffs in the north to meet at Norham, signifying the start of the Process of Norham (and later, the Great Cause), the judicial proceedings which would end with the … Continue reading
John Comyn, earl of Buchan, was defeated at Inverurie by Robert Bruce’s forces. Both forces were gathered at Inverurie the previous day, and in the early morning hours of 23 May, a small contingent led by David of Brechin, surprised … Continue reading
Though not a formal parliament, a ‘consilium’ was held on this day at Edinburgh, by John Balliol. Among the matters discussed was the dowry of Margaret, daughter of Guy, count of Flanders, who had been married to Prince Alexander … Continue reading
