Robert the Bruce
JOHN BALLIOL, who had the unflattering nickname "Toom Tabard" meaning empty
coat, ruled for less than 4
years (1292 -1296).
Regarded as a 'useless king', he was the great-grandson of David, Earl of Huntingdon, who
in turn was the grandson of King David 1 of Scotland (1124 - 1153).
He
tried to stand up to the English, but he was not able to unite his people,
so the war was easily won by England. Scottish nobles owned lands in both
Scotland and England, and were divided in their loyalties to such and
extent that now they fought on one side, now on the other.
His
reign ended in disgrace when he submitted himself as a vassal to a
representative of Edward 1 of England. Dressed in only a shirt and
underpants he handed over a white wand signifying the surrender of the
kingdom of Scotland to the English King. After three years in an English
prison, he was allowed to travel to France. In his baggage was found the
royal crown and seal of Scotland, as well as money and gold cups.
After John Balliol's disgraceful
submission and loss of his crown in 1296, Robert Bruce asked Edward to make him
king, as he was next in succession. But Edward turned to him sharply and
said "Do you think I have nothing to do but to conquer kingdoms for you?"
To show that Scotland was no longer to be an independent kingdom, Edward
removed the Stone of Destiny, on which the Scottish kings were crowned, be
taken to England, and all the papers and documents that might prove
Scotland's independence. Last, he made those who had land in Scotland sign
their names in a list to show that they recognised him as their king. If
they refused their lands were confiscated.
This list of names is called "The Ragman's Roll" and still exists. It has
about 2000 names, including Robert Bruce. Edward thought he had subdued
Scotland. But he was mistaken, for he had not been back in England long
when William Wallace stepped into the arena to fight for Scotland.
The Stuart Kings were descended from King Robert the Bruce directly, and so too are the present Royal Family, who are descended from the daughter of King James V1 of Scotland (James 1 of England).
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