 | 'For as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, we shall never submit to English domination. For it is not for glory, riches or honesty that we fight, but for freedom alone, that freedom which no honest man gives up, but with his life.' From the declaration of Arbroath, 1320. |  |
Pope Gregory X publishes a Papal Bull that overturns the independence of the Scottish Church and grants the right to appoint clergy to Edward I of England.
Hearings begin at Norham castle in order to determine who has the best rights to the vacant throne of Scots. The court consists of 24 auditors appointed by Edward I of England, 40 by Robert Bruce, Lord of Annandale, and 40 chosen by John Balliol, Lord of Galloway. Edward I declares his right to be ovelord of Scotland.
The Community of the Realm of Scotland responds to Edward I's declaration of his right to be overlord of Scotland.
An English army arrives at Norham.
The Scottish royal castles are surrendered to Edward I of England by the competitors to the throne. The English King declares that these will be returned within two months of a monarch being chosen.
The Guardians of Scotland resign and are re-appointed by Edward I of England.
The Guardians and nobles of Scotland swear fealty to Edward I of England as Lord Paramount of Scotland.
Robert Bruce, Lord of of Annandale, resigns his claim to the Scots throne to his son, Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick.
Following the death of Marjorie, Countess of Carrick in her own right, Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, resigns the earldom to his son, Robert Bruce, grandson of the "Competitor", and future King Robert I "the Bruce", who later does homage to King John of Scotland as the new Earl of Carrick.
The court of auditors declare that John Balliol, Lord of Galloway has best rights to the Kingdom of Scots.
John Balliol is enthroned and crowned at Scone. However, he uses the title 'King of Scotland', the only native King ever to use that style.
King John of Scotland pays homage to King Edward I of England as his feudal superior.
King Edward I of England repudiates all promises and obligations made during the interregnum.
King John of Scotland declares that the Treaty of Birgham and all agreements made with England during the interregnum are null.
Reading Abbey claims lost rights to the Priory of May which had been sold to the Bishop of St Andrews during the Guardianship.
The first parliament of King John of Scotland sits at Scone.
At a meeting in Dundee, King John of Scotlands orders Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick, Joh, Earl of Caithness, Donald Mac Angus, and William de Douglas to pay hommage to him at the close of Easter.
The second parliament of King John of Scotland sits at Stirling. Representatives of Guy de Dampierre, Count of Flanders, seek payment of the dowry promised to his daughter Margaret upon her marriage to Prince Alexander, heir apparent to King Alexander III of Scots in 1282.
Reading Abbey obtains a warrant from Edward I of England citing King John of Scotland to answer for 'default of justice' concerning the ownership of May Priory.
After initially protesting, King John of Scotland submits to Edward I and is obliged to attend an English court to defend his imprisonment of Macduff, uncle of the Earl of Fife, who had appealed to Edward I of England.
Edward I of England, who has custody of the child Donald IV, Earl of Fife, claims wardship of the Earl's lands during his minority.
The third parliament of King John of Scotland sits at Lanark for two weeks. No official records remain concerning this assembly.
The fourth parliament of King John of Scotland sits at Edinburgh. No official records remain concerning this assembly.
King John of Scotland attends an emergency English council meeting in London where Edward I calls upon Scotland to support his war with Philippe IV of France over Gascony.
King John of Scotland apparently calls his fifth parliament at an unknown venue. The Scots parliament is reported to proclaim that King John cannot support Edward's I's war against France, an ally of Scotland, without the authority of parliament.
Welsh revolt over Edward I's war with Philippe IV of France over Gascony.
Pope Celestine V grants Scots absolution for breaking oaths given to Edward I under duress.
Death of Robert Bruce, Lord of Annandale and grandfather of Robert 'the Bruce'. He had been recognised as the heir presumptive to the kingdom of Scots by Alexander II but Edward I of England chose John Balliol in his place.
A charter from King John of Scotland granting lands to Anthony Bek, Prince Bishop of Durham, is witnessed by Robert Wishart, Bishop of Glasgow, the Earls of Buchan, Dunbar, Mar and Strathearn, John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, and Patrick de Graham.
A charter from King John of Scotland appoints William Fraser, Bishop of St Andrews, Matthew de Crambeth, Bishop of Dunkeld, Sir John de Soules and Sir Ingram d'Umfraville to travel to Paris and negociate an alliance - the future Auld Alliance - with King Philippe IV of France.
King John of Scotland calls his seventh parliament at Stirling. According to English sources, King John is deposed and a council of four bishops, four earls and four barons appointed to rule in his stead. No records from the parliament survive to either confirm or deny such a story. It is thought likely that the council, if appointed, was to support, rather than replace the King.
King John of Scotland calls his eighth and final formal parliament at Edinburgh around this time. The parliament refuses to had over custody of the castles of Roxburgh, Jedburgh, Berwick and Edinburgh to Edward I of England.
The Auld Alliance. A treaty of mutual aid is signed between King John Baliol and King Philippe IV of France. King John's eldest son, Edward is to marry Jeanne, daughter of Charles, Count de Valois, titular Emperor of Constantinople and younger brother of King Philippe IV of Francer.
An 'assembly' of Scots nobles at Dunfermline ratifies the Treaty of alliance with France and proposed marriage of Prince Edward of Scotland to Princess Jeanne of France. While not described as a 'parliament', the treaty was ratified by four earls, eleven barons, four bishops and five barons and the burghs of Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh, Roxburgh and Berwick. This is the first recorded appearance of burgh representatives in Scottish parliaments and assemblies.
Carlisle is attacked by the King John Balliol's army under the High Constable, John Comyn, Earl of Buchan. The city is defended by Robert Bruce, Lord of Annandale, the father of Robert 'the Bruce'.
Berwick-Upon-Tweed, Scotland's largest seaport, is captured by the English forces under Edward I. 15,000 of the defenders and inhabitants are massacred.
First Battle of Dunbar. Scots forces under the Constable of Scotland, John Comyn, Earl of Buchan are defeated by English force under John de Warenne, 7 th Earl of Surrey. The Earls of Buchan, Atholl, Menteith and Ross are captured.
King Edward I arrives at Dunbar Castle which surrenders to him.
King Edward I arrives at Perth and receives messages from King John asking for peace.
King Edward I meets King John at the royal castle of Kincardine. John begs forgiveness for his rebellion.
At Stracathro, King John of Scotland abandons his alliance with Philippe IV of France.
At Montrose, John Balliol is deposed with the royal insignia being ripped from his tabard by Antony Bek, Prince Bishop of Durham. He becomes known as Toom Tabard (empty coat). John was the only native monarch to describe himself as 'King of Scotland' rather than 'King of Scots'.
The Stone of Scone is removed from Scone Abbey by King Edward I of England. Many believe that this is not the Stone of Destiny, upon which Scots Kings were crowned, but merely a lump of local sandstone which was left in the true stone's place.
Edward I of England holds a parliament at Berwick and receives hommage from 2,000 Scots freeholders. The document signed and sealed by them is known as the Ragman Roll.
Edward I of England appoints John de Warenne, 7 th Earl of Surrey as military governor of Scotland.
William Wallace slays the English sherrif of Lanark and joins with William Douglas to attempt to capture the English Justiciar of Scotland at Scone. Robert Bruce, earl of Carrick raises Ayrshire against the English.
At Irvine, James Stewart, Lord of Renfrew and High Steward of Scotland, Robert Bruce, earl of Carrick and Robert Wishart, Bishop of Glasgow hold prolonged negotiations with the English Lords Percy and Clifford.
Andrey Murray raises Moray and the north against the English.
Battle of Stirling Bridge. Scots forces under Andrew Murray and William Wallace defeat a superior English force under John de Warenne, 7 th Earl of Surrey and Hugh Cressingham.
William Wallace and Andrew Moray write to the Hanseatic League as joint commanders of the army, announcing that Scotland has been liberated and that trade can recommence.
William Lamberton becomes Bishop of St Andrews and primate of the Scottish Church.
Sir William Wallace is appointed as sole Guardian of Scotland.
Edward I of England leads an English army into Scotland.
Battle of Falkirk. Scots forces, mostly pikemen with few archers and cavalry, under the Guardian, Sir William Wallace, are defeated by a superior English force including many heavy cavalry and archers under the personal command of King Edward I.
Sir William Wallace resigns as Guardian of Scotland. Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick and John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch are appointed as joint Guardians.
Scimus fili. A Bull by Pope Boniface VIII declares Edward I of England's annexation of Scotland to be illegal.
Following Scimus fili, Ex King John of Scotland is transferred from English custody to that of the Pope under the Archbishop of Cambrai.
William Lamberton, Bishop of St Andrews is appointed third and chief Guardian of Scotland along with Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick and John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch.
At an assembly of the Community of the Realm, Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick resigns as one of the three Guardians. Sir Ingram d'Umfraville is appointed in his place.
A truce for seven months is signed beetween Scotland and England.
Sir William Wallace meets King Philippe IV of France who writes a letter of recommendation for him to the pope.
John de Soulis is appointed sole Guardian of Scotland.
The Scotts parliament, meeting at Scone, agrees to renew the Auld Alliance with France.
Edward I writes to Pope Pope Boniface VIII defending his invasions of Scotland.
Scotland's clergy defend the cause of Scots Independence to the Pope.
Ex King John of Scotland is released from the custody of the Pope under the Archbishop of Cambrai to retire to his castle at Bailleul-en-Vimeau in Picardy.
Edward I of England and Edward, Prince of Wales invade the south of Scotland, capturing Bothwell Castle around the 24 th September.
A truce for nine months is signed beetween Scotland and England. Around this time, Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick submits to Edward I of England.
Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick marries Elizabeth de Burgh, daughter of Richard de Burgh, 2 nd Earl of Ulster.
Battle of Courtrai. Flemish infantry defeat a French feudal army including 2,500 cavalry. 700 French knights are killed, including the army commander, Robert II, Count d'Artois, the Counts of Aumale, Dammartin, Eu and Ostrevant, the Constable of France, two Marshals of France, and 63 barons and lesser nobles.
Battle of Roslin. John Comyn, Lord of Badenock and Sir Simon Fraser defeat three English forces under Sir John Segrave, Ralph de Manton and Sir Richard Neville.
Edward I of England holds a parliament at St Andrews. Scots who submit have their lands restored to them.
Robert Bruce, Lord of Annandale and father of the future King Robert I, dies aged 60 en route to Annandale. He is burried at Holm Cutram Abbey in Cumberland.
Robert Bruce, Earl of Carrick and William Lamberton, Bishop of St Andrews sign a secret bond.
John Lord Comyn, Guardian of Scotland, surrenders the kingdom to Edward I of England.
At the English parliament in Westminster, a new constitution for Scotland is ordered.
The Community of the Realm of Scotland is consulted on the new constitution for Scotland.
Sir William Wallace, previous Guardian of Scotland is catpured at Robroyston and taken to London.
Sir William Wallace, previous Guardian of Scotland is executed at Smithsfield Square in London on the orders of Edward I of England.
At the English parliament in Westminster, the Ordinance for the Government of Scotland is enacted.
Robert the Bruce, Earl of Carrick kills John Comyn, Lord of Badenoch in Greyfriar's Monastery after a disagreement.
Robert the Bruce, Earl of Carrick, is crowned as Robert I, King of Scots at Scone.
Robert the Bruce, Earl of Carrick, is crowned again, by the Countess of Buchan, the sister of the Earl of Fife, hereditary enthroner of the Kings of Scots. For this act her husband the Earl of Buchan issued a death act. She was captured by the Earl of Ross and delivered to Edward III of England who ordered her to be imprisoned in a cage on the walls of Berwick castle. William Lamberton, Bishop of St Andrews celebrates pontifical high mass at Scone.
Battle of Methven. Scots forces under Robert I, King of Scots are defeated by the English under Aymer de Valance, 2 nd Earl of Pembroke.
Battle of Dalry. Scots forces under Robert I, King of Scots are defeated by the Lord of Lorn's MacDougals. (Professor G.W.S. Barrow believed the date may have been the 11 th July).
Robert I, King of Scots flees to Rathlin island in Antrim.
Robert I, King of Scots returns to Carrick.
Battle of Glen Trool. Scots forces under Robert I, King of Scots defeat part of the army of Aymer de Valance, 2 nd Earl of Pembroke.
Battle of Loudoun Hill. Scots forces under Robert I, King of Scots defeat a superior English force under Aymer de Valance, 2 nd Earl of Pembroke.
Death of Edward I of England, Hammer of the Scots.
Battles at Slioch, near Huntly, between the forces of King Robert I of Scots and John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, Constable of Scotland.
Battle of Inverrurie between the forces of King Robert I of Scots and John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, Constable of Scotland.
Galloway, the Lordship of Ex King John Balliol, is pacified for King Robert I of Scots by his brother Edward Bruce.
Battle of the Pass of Brander. King Robert I of Scots defeats the Macdougalls, last allies of the Comyns.
William II MacTaggart, the pro-English Earl of Ross submits to King Robert I of Scots.
The first parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at St Andrews. This is the first Scottish parliament to be held since that of King John in August 1293. It continues on the 17 th.
The second parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Inchture around this date.
Treaty of Inverness. At a council meeting at Inverness, King Robert the Bruce signs a treaty with Norway, where his sister Isabel is Queen, ratifying the 1266 Treaty of Perth.
Sir James Dougas retakes Roxburgh Castle from the English.
Sir Thomas Randolph retakes Edinburgh Castle from the English.
Battle of Bannockburn. Scots forces under Robert I, King of Scots defeat a superior English force under King Edward II.
The third parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Cambuskenneth.
The Scots parliament appoints Edward Bruce, Earl of Carrick, as heir presumptive to his brother King Robert I, King of Scots.
Robert Stewart, later King Robert II of Scots, is born prematurely at Renfrew. His mother, Marjorie Bruce, daughter of King Robert I, dies after a fall while riding.
The fourth parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Edinburgh around this date. There is some uncertainty whether this was a full parliament.
Robert the Bruce, King of Scots holds a council meeting at Stirling.
Robert the Bruce, King of Scots holds a council meeting at Scone.
Berwick-Upon-Tweed is regained for the Scots by Thomas Randolph, 1 st Earl of Moray.
The fifth parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Scone.
Battle of Myton. Scots forces under Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray defeat English forces in Yorkshire.
Battle of Dundalk in Ireland. Edward Bruce, High King of Ireland, and heir presumptive to his brother King Robert I, King of Scots, is killed in the battle.
Robert the Bruce, King of Scots holds a council meeting at Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
A truce for two years is agreed between Scotland and England.
The sixth parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Arbroath. The Declaration of Arbroath is drafted and a copy sent to the Pope. The document sets out the Sovereignty of the Scottish people by placing their will above the wishes of the King.
The seventh parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Scone around this time.
The eighth parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Perth.
Battle of Byland. Scots forces under King Robert I defeat English forces in Yorkshire.
Robert the Bruce, King of Scots holds a council meeting at Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
The ninth parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Scone. There are suggestions that another session is held on the 4 th of August.
Robert the Bruce, King of Scots holds a council meeting at Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
Birth of David Bruce, later King David II of Scots.
The tenth parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Scone.
The eleventh parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Cambuskenneth. The Parliament, at which burgesses are present, passes an act to introduce taxes to support the King.
The twelth and final parliament of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, is held at Edinburgh.
Death of the Queen, Elizabeth de Burgh, daughter of Richard de Burgh, 2 nd Earl of Ulster, aged around 38.
Treaty of Edinburgh. Edward III of England recognises Scotland's independence.
Treaty of Edinburgh is ratified at Northhampton.
Death of Robert the Bruce (King Robert I of Scots) at Cardross, aged 54.
The first parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Perth.
Death of Yolande de Dreux, second wife of Alexander II, King of Scots, aged 67.
Sir James Douglas is killed in battle in Andalusia while carrying Robert the Bruce's heart on a crusade. The heart is recovered and buried at Melrose Abbey.
A council of David II, King of Scots, is held at Kinross to settle a plea.
Coronation of King David II at Scone.
The second parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone.
Death of Thomas Randolph, 1 st Earl of Moray and Guardian of Scotland.
Battle of Dupplin Moor. Scots forces under the Regent, Donald, Earl of Mar are defeated by English forces under Edward Balliol, pretender to the Scots throne. Donald, Earl of Mar is killed in the battle.
Edward Balliol, pretender to the Scots throne, is crowned by William Sinclair Bishop of Dunkeld at Scone as client King of Scotland.
Roxburgh Declaration by Edward Balliol, pretender to the Scots throne, who recognises Edward III as feudal superor of Scotland and confirms that he has done hommage to Edward III and sworn fealty for the Kingdom of Scotland. Edward Balliol cedes the town and castle of Berwick-Upon-Tweed and the county of Berwickshire to England.
Battle of Annan. Scots forces under Sir Archibald Douglas defeat English forces under Edward Baliol, pretender to the Scots crown. Henry Balliol, younger brother of Edward, is slain. Edward Balliol flees to England.
Battle of Halidon Hill. Scots forces under Sir Archibald Douglas are defeated by English forces under King Edward III and Edward Baliol. Edward III of England restores Edward Balliol as client King of Scotland.
An assemby is held at Perth.
The first and last parliament of Edward Baliol, pretender to the Scots throne, is held at Edinburgh.
Edward Baliol, pretender to the Scots throne, meets Edward III of England at Newcastle.
John Randolph, 3 rd Earl of Moray arrives in Scotland from France to attack the Balliol puppet monarchy.
Edward Balliol, pretender to the Scots throne, flees to England for the second time.
The third 'parliament' of David II, King of Scots, is held at Dairsie. It is likely that this parliament was actually a council of war. The nephew and heir presumptive of King David II, Robert Stewart, the High Steward, Lieutenant of the Kingdom, and his erstwhile ally David de Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl, clash with John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray and Sir William Douglas.
Edward III of England invades Scotland. Edward Balliol, pretender to the Scots throne, returns for the third time as client King of Scotland.
David de Strathbogie, Earl of Atholl, lieutenant for Edward Balliol, is killed in battle by the forces of the new Guardian, Sir Andrew Murray.
Edward Balliol, pretender to the Scots throne, flees to England for the third time.
Edward III of England again invades Scotland. Edward Balliol, pretender to the Scots throne, returns for the fourth time as client King of Scotland.
The forces of the new Guardian, Sir Andrew Murray, capture Kinclaven castle, near Perth.
The forces of the new Guardian, Sir Andrew Murray, capture St Andrews castle.
The Maxwells in Galloway, the Balliol homeland, change allegiance from Edward Balliol to David Bruce. Balliol again flees Scotland to seek aid in England.
Balliol, who has returned to Scotland, flees Perth.
Perth falls to the Scots despites attempts by Balliol and English forces to relieve it.
The fourth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Perth.
David II, King of Scots, returns to Scotland from France, landing at Inververvie.
The fifth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone. The session continues on the 22 nd and the 24 th.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Aberdeen. Another meeting is held on the 21 st.
Robert Stewart, High Steward of Scotland and future King Robert II, is created Earl of Atholl by his nephew, David II, King of Scots.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Restennet.
The sixth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Edinburgh.
Edward Balliol, pretender to the Scots throne, loses his final hold of lands in Galloway .
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Perth.
Battle of Neville's Cross. Scots forces under David II are defeated by English forces.
The nobles of David II, King of Scots, hold a council meeting at Dundee.
Edward Baliol, exiled pretender to the Scots throne, is created 1 st Lord Balliol in England by Edward III of England.
The nobles of David II, King of Scots, hold a council meeting at Inverkeithing.
Edward Baliol, 1 st Lord Balliol surrenders his claim to the Scots throne to Edward III of England.
The nobles of David II, King of Scots, hold a council meeting at Perth.
The nobles of David II, King of Scots, hold a General Council meeting at Edinburgh. The term 'Tres Communitates' or Three Communities is first used. Commissioners for the Burgesses attend to discuss the raising of the ransom for David II.
Treaty of Berwick. The English agree to free David II of Scots after 11 years of imprisonment for a ransom of 100,000 marks.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Scone. The meeting continues on the 10 th and 11 th.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Edinburgh. The meeting continues on the 6 th of February.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Perth.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Edinburgh.
The seventh parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Dundee.
The eighth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone. The session continues on the 26 th.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Perth.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Edinburgh.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Aberdeen.
Death of Edward Baliol, 1 st Lord Balliol and onetime claimant to the Scots throne, at Knaresborough in Yorkshire.
The ninth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone. It rejects David II's proposal to make Lionel, Duke of Clarence, second surviving son of Edward III his heir.
David II, King of Scots, holds a General Council meeting at Perth. The session continues on the 13 th.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Perth.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Perth.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Holyrood.
The tenth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone. The session continues on the 27 th.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Perth.
The eleventh parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone. The session continues on the 3 rd and 26 th October. Representatives were chosen to sit in the parliament, which allowed the other commissioners return to their homes for the harvest.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Edinburgh.
The twelvth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone. The session continues on the 22 nd.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Perth.
The thirteenth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone.
David II, King of Scots, holds a council meeting at Edinburgh.
The fourteenth parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone.
The fifteenth and final parliament of David II, King of Scots, is held at Scone.
Death of David II, second and last King of the House of Bruce.
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