1-626-002 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Balliol surrendering his crown to Edward I of England, 1296. In 1292, Edward I was asked to arbitrate in the selection of the King of Scotland in order to prevent a dynastic war breaking out between rival claimants. John Balliol (1250-1314) emerged as the successful candidate. Edward, who had demanded to be recognised as Lord Paramount of Scotland as a condition of his agreeing to arbitrate, proceeded to treat Scotland as a vassal kingdom, humiliating Balliol. Finding the situation intolerable, Balliol raised an army and war broke out in 1296. Edward brutally sacked Berwick and then defeated the Scots at Dunbar, forcing Balliol to abdicate.