Robert the Bruce took several steps to challenge English rule over Scotland between 1306-1314: 1) After crowning himself King of Scotland, Bruce first had to win over opponents in a civil war within Scotland and gain full control. 2) He then held his first official Parliament in 1309 to gain the support of Scottish nobles and landowners. 3) Bruce led successful raids into northern England and refused to engage in major battles, demonstrating the weakness of the new English King Edward II. 4) By 1314, Bruce and his men had captured several important Scottish castles from the English, with only Stirling and Berwick remaining under English control.

1. Scottish Wars of Independence
Challenging
English rule,
1306-1314

2. In today’s class, I am learning to:
• Describe actions taken by Robert the
Bruce and the Scots to challenge
English rule, during 1306-1314
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314

3. After crowning himself King, Robert the Bruce had
two tasks: win over Scottish opponents, and then
remove English control from Scotland.
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314

4. In the early years of Bruce’s
time as king, Scotland was
involved in a civil war.
After many years of
fighting – including being
forced to leave the country
– Bruce eventually won the
civil war, giving him full
control of Scotland.
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314

5. In March 1309, Bruce held
his first official Parliament
(at St Andrews) .
This involved Scotland’s
nobles and landowners
coming together to discuss
the country’s problems,
and giving their support to
King Robert.
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314

6. Bruce wrote to the French
king, Philip IV asking for
help and support.
Bruce was also given the
public support of
Scotland’s bishops in the
Declaration of the Clergy.
They also repeated Bruce’s
forgiveness for the Comyn
killing.
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314

7. In 1307, King Edward of
England died, to be
replaced by his son (a
significantly less able
military leader).
King Edward II sent an
army north, but they had
to retreat to Berwick
during the winter of 1309-
1310.
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314

8. Bruce’s rebellion against
English rule did not just
take place in Scotland.
He led several raids into
the north of England but
refused to fight the English
in a major, open battle.
This generally confirmed
Edward II’s weakness.
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314

9. Over a few years, Bruce
and his men (notably
William Douglas, Thomas
Randolph and Edward
Bruce) won control of
various Scottish castles:
• Dundee, early 1312
• Perth, January 1313
• Edinburgh, early 1314
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314

10. By early 1314, only two
major castles remained in
English hands; Stirling and
Berwick.
Stirling was to be handed
over to the Scots by
Midsummer Day 1314,
unless England acted.
Edward II sent a huge army
north to challenge Bruce.
Challenging English rule, 1306-1314