Back to the video list: History of the British Isles

 

During the 13th century Scotland could prevail over England in two wars. Scotland stayed independent for the next centuries after the Second Scottish War of Independence.

 

Video

 

 

Overview

  • Date: 1332 – 1357
  • Location: Scotland, additionally northern England
  • Start: Invasion of Scotland by Edward Balliol
  • End: Return of king David II to Scotland

 

Parties & Persons Involved

  • David II (1324 – 1371), King of Scots
  • Edward III (1312 – 1377), King of England
  • Edward Balliol (1283 – 1367), Son of the former Scottish King John Balliol

 

Background

  • Scotland can repulse English claims in the First Scottish War of Independence (1296 – 1328)
  • Potential threats to Scotland’s independence & internal stability:
    • Edward III of England – Revanchism after the 1st war of independence & claims on Scotland as Lord Paramount
    • Edward Balliol – Son of the former Scottish king John Balliol
    • The “Disinherited“ – Former Scottish allies of England who lost their territories in the 1st war of independence
  • Scotland’s king Robert the Bruce dies in 1229
  • His underage son David II inherits the throne

 

History

  • 06 Aug 1332: Edward Balliol & the “Disinherited“ land at Kinghorn
  • 10 – 11 Aug 1332: Balliol wins the Battle of Dupplin Moor
  • Balliol is crowned king
  • Dec 1332: Balliol is expelled from Scotland
  • 19 Jul 1333: English victory in the Battle of Halidon Hill
  • Nearly all of Scotland falls under English control
  • May 1334: David II commences his government in exile in France
  • 1334 - 1341: The Scots regain control of the country by means of guerrilla warfare
  • Scotland is vastly devastated
  • 1337: The Hundred Years’ war between England & France starts
  • Jun 1341: David II returns to Scotland
  • 1346: After several raids during the previous years David invades Northern England
  • 17 Oct 1346: English victory in the Battle of Neville‘s Cross
  • David II is captured & imprisoned in London
  • 1346 – 1356: Edward Balliol fails several times in ascending the Scottish throne
  • 03 Oct 1357: David II returns to Scotland after he is released for a high ransom

 

Consequences & Impact

  • Scotland remains independent until 1707 (Treaty of Union)
  • Scotland is economically ruined
  • Scotland ceased to be a northern threat for England