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The Bruce and Bannockburn

The Bruce and Bannockburn

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ROBERT THE BRUCE AND BANNOCKBURN
A historical essay by Elizabeth D. Mckaskle

Part one
PRELUDE TO FREEDOM (the road to Bannockburn)

On March 27, 1306, Robert the Bruce raised the Royal Standard in Scone, a mere seven months after the execution of William Wallace. Some have claimed that the Scot's failure to retrieve Wallace's body parts from their gruesome display at the four corners of the Kingdom was a testament of Scotland's dejection. But, it should be noted to all who read of the noble deeds of Wallace and Bruce and of the tortured and unforgiving lives of their followers, that before God and the earth had reclaimed the bones of Scotland's most triumphant warrior, a man of equal courage, saw to it that the very ground that had soaked in the blood of Wallace, the lands of Newcastle, Berwick, Perth and Stirling would be liberated. Robert the Bruce
answered Wallace's call for freedom, not by coveting relics--- but by reuniting a nation.

He was a man, archeologists tell us, that stood approximately 5'6. Because of his large, round neck, he would have been extremely stout. His hair most likely would have been dark brown or black (red or blond hair would certainly have been noted). His cheek bones were high and very predominant and they overlooked a premiere, strong, square jawline. Perhaps, it was this high cheekbone and square jaw that prompted his acclaimed chronicler, John Barbour, to remark that his looks were "debonair." Most of what is known of Bruce comes from Barbour, an Oxford educated native of Aberdeen. Barbour was born in 1319, very much alive during the last years of Bruce's reign. Barbour engaged in ecclesiastical duties as Archdeacon at St. Machar's Cathedral for more than forty years. His masterpiece was the epic poem "The Bruce" written in Anglo-Saxon tongue with some Norman-French phrases. Unlike Blind Harry (the minstrel that recited and glorified the name of Wallace) Barbour was a trusted and renowned scholar. Gratefully, due to Barbour and other English chroniclers of the time, we have more reputable sources for the life of Bruce, than for the almost mythical Wallace.
Robert the Bruce had himself defiantly crowned himself King of Scots. The ceremony was on Palm Sunday in front of three bishops, a notably sacred affair for a man that was excommunicated by the Church. But, more than that, it was an act of revolution, an orchestrated affront to Edward I, King of England, the notorious "Hammer of Scots."
Every day that followed, Robert the Bruce set out to prove that he was not a man of mere showmanship but a genuine threat to England's rule and if at anytime in the past he had conflicting loyalties, those days were dead.
It would be a greater tale to write that Bruce thundered onto the battlefield victoriously from the very beginning, but it would not be the truth. Rather, Bruce's first major engagement was a resounding defeat.
Edward was outraged at Bruce's rebellion, and even though gravely ill, "Longshanks" was still a deadly advisory.
Edward quickly launched an invasion force led by the Earl of Pembroke. No mercy was to be shown. Anyone involved in the revolt or gave shelter to the usurpers were to be executed without trail. Bruce's force of 4500 men met up with Pembroke at Perth.
Bruce, his sword hanging around his thick neck, called for Pembroke to come out from behind the walls and fight. The Earl responded, "The day is nearly gone and not enough of it left for battle. Return in the morning and I will eagerly accept your challenge."
Bruce reluctantly established a camp nearby at Methven for the night. Unfortunately, he had trusted Pembroke to keep his word. As soon as night began to fall, the English swarmed upon Bruce's unprepared camp. His men, many who were unarmed and readying the camp for food and sleep, scattered in every direction. Bruce, himself, was unhorsed several times and barely escaped the chaos with his life. Many of his best men were struck down and those that fled were quickly rounded up. As Edward had demanded, they were all executed without trial. This was not the battle Bruce had envisioned and it would be the first hint for Bruce that he would have to leave behind the security of chivalry.
An English chronicler had this to say of the Methven battle, in "The Flowers of Histories:" Flores Historiarum per Matthaeum Westmonasteriensem.

"At last, on 25 June, Robert Bruce, the crowned man of Scotland, and his accomplices, all wearing linen shirts over their armor, joined battle at Methven with Aymer de Valence, earl of Pembroke. On that day, many of the Scots who had allied themselves with the pseudo king perished by the sword; their names are not reported here lest the page become dirty with them."

Meanwhile, Edward's son, the young prince, had descended upon southern Scotland with a legion of newly knighted soldiers. King Edward had earlier hosted a grand affair, known as the Feast of the Swans, where more than 300 men trampled over each other to be knighted in the cause to tame Scotland.
The prince's forces were merciless and the men (that only a few nights before had sworn to uphold the rules of chivalry) butchered the countryside. King Edward even announced that the wives of his enemies were fair game and the soldiers were encouraged to rape, beat and murder them without fear of reprimand. The young prince's brutalities were so terrifying and savage, that his father (who was never known for his mercy) had to intervene and reign in the "Knights."
Bruce solicited his brother, Nigel Bruce, to bring his wife and family from their castle home in Kildrummy to join him while in hiding, hoping they would be safe. But, after they were reunited, Bruce's small band was ambushed by the MacDougalls (notorious supporters of Edward's). Narrowly escaping, once again, Bruce reluctantly sent Nigel and his family back to Kildrummy and turned toward the Western Isles in hopes of teaming up with supporters there, namely the powerful MacDonald clan.
Although, Bruce's flight was successful; Kildrummy was under siege. Nigel Bruce sent the women onward to seek the sanctuary of St. Duthac at Tain while he stayed behind to defend the castle. Nigel proved to be a gallant defender and the English dead were so high they contemplated withdrawing. But,
instead of retreating they turned to deceit instead.
Bribing one of the castle blacksmiths, named Osborne, with the promise of all the gold he could carry, the English bought themselves a traitor. Osborne started a fire within the compound and eventually the flames consumed the gate. Nigel Bruce was able to defend the castle for more than 24 hours before they finally had to admit surrendered.
The brave brother of Robert the Bruce, known as "a man of exceeding beauty,"
was dragged through the streets of Berwick, hanged and beheaded. The same punishment was dealt to all that were captured. As for the traitor, Osborne?
The English fulfilled their promise of gold by pouring it molten down his throat.

The women had also been captured. The Countess of Buchan, a valiant supporter of the Bruce and his sister Mary Bruce (married to Sir Neil Campbell, still at this time in the company of Bruce) were thrown in especially made wooden cages that jutted out over the castle at Berwick to be viewed by the public like animals in a zoo. This spectacle and shame went on for four years. A similar cage was made for Bruce's 12 year old daughter, Marjorie, at the Tower of London, but like her sister (Christina Bruce) was eventually locked away in a convent. Christina's husband, Christopher Seton had recently been quartered in much the same fashion as Wallace, possibly this was the reason for her light sentence. Queen Elizabeth, Bruce's wife, had the fortune to be the daughter of the Earl of Ulster, an important ally to Edward. She was given house arrest for the next eight years.
Bruce, unaware of the ladies fate, went on to the Isles and elsewhere to gather men. His two younger brothers, Alexander and Thomas went to Ireland to drum up support.
Bruce's enemies, unlike his supporters, were very apparent. Many of them were kinsmen of Red Comyn, an English supported rival for the throne of Scotland, who Bruce had murdered in a church, earning his excommunication.
The MacDougalls, the MacNabs, (and the Comyns themselves) were all strong enemies.
As skirmishes ensued, Bruce's allies began to develop. Some were long time friends like Sir Neil Campbell (married to his sister Marjorie), Sir Simon Fraser, Sir Henry Sinclair, Sir James Douglas. But, beyond these noble knights and leaders, new defenders of the Scottish crown emerged. Large numbers of men in hiding because of Edward's persecution appeared out of the concealing hills. Along with them, mighty Highland clans (so long only interested in their own sovereignty) joined Bruce's forces. Men and women of the MacKinnons and the powerful Angus Og MacDonald ruler of the Isles added incomparable force to Bruce's army. These men undoubtedly helped to redirect the style of Bruce's campaign.
The disgraceful treachery and lack of honor of his enemy may have attributed to the new guerilla warfare practices of Bruce as well. He performed night time raids, ambushes and sneak attacks. Edward I's occupying theory was to stuff the Scottish castles with English soldiers. However, this led to the Scots reigning free and unchallenged in the countryside. But, in order to reclaim Scotland, Bruce's war would have to be a war of forts and castles.
The English's fortresses were backed with incredible wealth and resources. Bruce knew of the many ways to attack a fortress, most having to do with "battle engines," like battering rams to assault walls, or catapults to
surpass the walls with a dead horse or a captured messenger. But, Bruce did not have the money or supplies to support such attacks. Rather, he would have to turn to the alternative "surprise attack." He decided that the banner of chivalry would no longer rule the day or his revolution. Many of his fellow knights, long versed and trained in battle principles and regalia were now dead. Before him was an ill-equipped army of untrained brutes ready to die for the crown of Scotland and with a little ingenuity that appeared to be all he needed.

"I am more afraid of an army of 100 sheep led by a lion than an army of
100 lions led by a sheep." Tallyrand

It would be neither sheep nor lions that inspired Bruce. News came finally of his family. His sisters and daughter had been caged like animals. His youngest brother Nigel, Sir Charles Seton (his brother-in-law) and the Earl of Atholl all disposed of in the same grievous fashion as William Wallace.
He was told too, of the beheading of his brothers Alexander and Thomas and
their failed venture to gain support in Ireland. According to oral tradition, the King of Scotland, filled with grief, sought solace in a nearby cave as his ragtag army made camp.
There he wailed of his family's fate and the seemingly endless road of death and failure on which he had put Scotland forth. Lying there in despair, Bruce noticed a small spider in the corner of the cave trying desperately to
weave his web. He watched, transfixed, as the small creature flew from his home to the other side, only to fall short of his destination. Finally, on the seventh attempt the spider reached his goal and Bruce was duly inspired.
He remarked, according to tradition, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Bruce rallied his patriots.
He eventually joined with the Douglas's, his faithful allies. With the permission of Bruce, Sir James Douglas dispatched a team to rid his ancestral castle in Douglasdale of the occupying English. It was a day of
great reckoning for the "Good Sir James" as he reclaimed his family's castle. The Scots quickly made their way inside the castle walls. With the shouts of "Douglas! A Douglas!" echoing through the surprised English, the men routed the supplies, beheaded every prisoner and fouled the well with dead horses and salt before torching the entire castle. The day was Palm Sunday exactly one year from the coronation of Robert the Bruce as King of Scots.

It was to Bruce's good fortune that his men were not made up of sheep
and of even greater advantage that in England, a lion was dying . . .



Robert the Bruce and Bannockburn
Part 2

"Edward II an Unwitting Ally"

Up until now, Bruce had been struggling feverishly to obtain and keep a superior position over Longshanks. Among the many skirmishes was a scape with John of Lorne in which his favorite bloodhound was used to track him. To avoid the hound, Bruce ordered his men to split up and rendezvous later at a designated house. Bruce and his foster brother were quickly set upon by the familiar hound and it wasn't until the pair waded through a small stream and escaped into the cover of the woods that they were able to shake the steady pursuit.
Later that night, Bruce's foster brother was killed when they teamed up with three men masquerading as supporters who in reality where anxious to collect the large reward for Bruce's head. If it were not for the King's superior skills and accurate suspicions, he would have fallen victim to the same deadly fate.
Saddened by the loss of his foster brother, Bruce journeyed to the arranged rendezvous house. There he found the owner, an elderly widow, who realizing who he was and that he was alone, furnished him with her three sons. Their names were Murdoch, McKie and MacLurg, each of a different father. When the sun rose the next morning, Bruce tested their merits with an archery event. The oldest, Murdoch, shot an arrow at two perching ravens, killing them both with the one shot. Next, McKie shot down a raven flying overhead while the last brother, MacLurg missed his target. Bruce, received all three as his swordsmen.
"Some years afterwards, Bruce asked the widow how he could repay her kindness. She asked for a small holding by the Cree estuary. But, Bruce enlarged her land and divided it between the three sons, Murdoch of Cumloden, McKie of Larg and MacLurg of Kirroughtrie. On the coat of arms of Murdoch and McKie are displayed the ravens transfixed by an arrow and the place where the ravens were shot is still known as Craigencaille----the Crag of the Old Woman."
Ronald McNair Scott,
Robert the Bruce King of Scots
After reuniting with his men Bruce left to set up camp at Glen Tool. Pembroke learning of Bruce's headquarters there, marched 1500 knights to the area hiding unobserved in the nearby woods. To gain information from inside Bruce's camp, Pembroke sent in a spy, a woman dressed in rags begging for food. When brought before Bruce, the women, for unknown reasons (possibly out of fear) blurted out that the English were near.
Bruce stirred his 300 men to arms, just in time to match the rush of English soldiers. Bruce, himself, sent a well-aimed arrow through the throat of the enemy leader, disarming the knights, already confused by the prepared Scots. The English quickly fled the chaos back to the woods giving Bruce a heroic victory and Pembroke an embarrassing defeat.
But, not as embarrassing as the next battle that took place at Loudon Hill near Ayr on May 10th of 1307. The predominant mound left Bruce little room to extend his line. To counter that, he had his men dig several deep trenches that effectively crippled Pembroke's heavy horse. Combined with the spear laden soldiers advancing through the confused and retreating calvary, Pembroke once again had to relay the shameful news back to Longshanks.
The tide was turning. Robert the Bruce's triumphs at Glen Trool and Loudon Hill attracted waves of new supporters. Everyone loves a winner. If his unimagined successes were rallying the Scots, they were, of course, infuriating Longshanks, who by this time was becoming increasingly ill.
Edward I had been wrestling for some time with a recurring bout of dysentery. Rumors had begun to circulate through out his kingdom that he was dying. Edward, obsessed with reining in the Scots and hoping to calm the talk of his demise, ordered his magnates to gather a force for a major advance on Scotland. Edward made it as far as Burgh upon the Sands in Cumberland. On July 7th his men went in to wake him so that he might eat. Raising up, he then fell back and died in their arms. The "Hammer of Scots" had struck his last blow.
Edward I lived to 67 years of age, twice as long as the life expectancy rate of men in his time period. Above that he married twice, fathered 6 sons, 10 daughters and was so determined to conquer Scotland that he requested his flesh be boiled away from his bones so that they might be taken into battle against the Scots until the day came that they were duly subjugated.
Edward I lived to 67 years of age, twice as long as the life expectancy rate of men in his time period. Above that he married twice, fathered 6 sons, 10 daughters and was so determined to conquer Scotland that he requested his flesh be boiled away from his bones so that they might be taken into battle against the Scots until the day came that they were duly subjugated.
Longshanks's desire was never achieved. His successor Edward II had the king's body place in the family tomb at Westminster Abbey, fully in tact. The disregard for his father's dying wish gives credence to the rumored turbulence between the two.
Edward II was born on St. Mark's Day (April 25, 1284) to Longshanks and his first wife Eleanor of Castile. He was born in Wales at the temporary quarters known as Caernarvon. After being presented to the Welsh leaders, he was known as Edward of Caernarvon. He was the fourth son of the royal couple, the first two having died in infancy, the third (Alfonso) died later the same year as Edward's birth. When he was only two years old his parents left England abandoning the toddler to the charge of wet nurses and his grandmother.
Near the same time in Scotland, a menacing storm gathered over the Firth of Forth as a beloved Scottish king bore his steed through the torrent, determined to unite with his young wife at Kinghorn. King Alexander's broken body was found on the shores beneath a ragged cliff the next morning. His only heir was his granddaughter, Margaret, the three year old Maid of Norway.
With Scottish throne in an upheaval, Longshanks saw a chance to advance his plan of an united Britain and quickly arranged a marriage between the Maid of Norway and his six year old heir. Tragically, the four year old Margaret died of an unknown illness while in route to England to marry Edward II. By November of the same year, the young Prince would lose his mother as well. Meanwhile, his father had issued a decree that all Jews were to be banished from the kingdom under threat of beheading. Edward of Caernarvon was only six years old, but already he had learned the inescapable truths of his heritage: political manipulation, treaty by marriage, the specter of dying young and taxes.
Robert the Bruce would also learn harsh truths as he stood next to his grandfather (Robert of Annadale) and witnessed Longshanks place a puppet king (John Balliol) on the Scottish throne, denying his family their rightful claim.
In the years before the event at Bannockburn, Edward II grew to become one of the most intriquing figures in England's history.

The youthful Edward of Caernarvon (23 years of age at his coronation) was an athletic and sturdy lad who took quickly to the hunt and was a fine horseman. As he matured, these pastimes would be the closest to"knightly pursuits" that the young prince would come.
He delighted in the arts, enthusiastically supporting actors and musicians. Most notably, he took a pioneering interest in the "crwth" (an early form of the violin). But, the interests that began to draw criticism, was his more "rustic pursuits." They included such unkingly trades as black smithing, roofing, rowing and swimming. Drawing even more consternation from his aristocratic peers was his inclination to surround himself with the "common laborers" associated with his hobbies.
For this author, I find it unfortunate that the chronicles of the middle ages wrote so bitterly of his past-times. In today's society he would have been celebrated by the media as a "man of the people "and celebrated for his endeavors. But, I do concede that in any age it is a skilled leader who recognizes his role and what is expected of him by his followers. During this period of history, it was not only the aristocracy that turned their nose up at Edward's behavior, but the very people whose company he preferred. Unfortunate indeed.
However, this was not the only complaint the realm had against Longshank's son. He was called "idle" and "decadent", with extravagant tastes. These were mostly the words of contemporary chroniclers. Modern historians tend to view these descriptions as exceedingly harsh, surmising that it was the chroniclers way of justifying Edward's nasty fate. The fact remains that there are writings from that era , "medieval receipts" if you will for Edward's spending and it does teeter on the indulgent, even by Plantagenet standards. For instance, household expenses alone for the year 1311 were 10, 000 pounds. A ploughman in that year could expect to make 12 to 13 shillings a year!
There are also writings that proved Edward II had qualities that were worthy of applause. An account of Edward's behavior at a diplomatic conference with the French, portrays him as "energetic", "eloquent" and "shrewd." He also was a staunch supporter of the Church giving very generously to the Dominicans. That being said, there is one complaint that was a clear and accurate commentary that most reporters of Edward's life both ancient and modern agree. That is --- Edward like to play favorites.
And Edward had no favorite more notorious than Piers Gaveston. Piers was a Gascon knight who along with his father had been in the service of Longshanks.
Proving his worth early on in his knightly career, he became one of the ten "pueri in custodia" (official companion of the house) of Prince Edward's. Piers quickly became more than a servant to Prince Edward and by the time he took the throne, the relationship between him and the cocky knight became the dominate issue in English politics.
The turmoil began with Longshank's banishment of his son and heir that lasted six months, a very harsh sentence for what was reported to be a very minor infraction. It was reported that the Prince aided by Piers trespassed on the property of one of Longshanks most admired ministers, Walter Langton. At one point the dubious pair, confronted by Langton, exchanged words and in affect insulted Langton. Edward was sent away from the kingdom and his all monetary benefits cut off from him. This strict order from Longshanks would appear to be an attempt to teach his son a needed lesson in decorum as well as a chance to separate him from Piers. The rumor mill had already began to spin. It was during this time of the young Prince's banishment that Edward had finally captured and was about to execute a young Scottish rebel named William Wallace.
As event progressed and Edward regained his father's favor, Robert the Bruce had taken up the symbolic sword of Wallace rousing the Scots into action.
Longshanks plan to detour any further rebellion by the despicable mutilation of Wallace's body had failed dismally. By February of 1307, he was not in the mood to be "accepting" of his son's lover. Longshanks ordered Piers to leave England. The young knight was treated generously by exile standards enjoying 100 marks a year in pension.
Official reasons for the ousting included the King's concern that, "he loved his son inordinately" and "his son, the Prince of Wales, had an inordinate affection for the Gascon knight."
But one chronicler, Guisborogh, wrote of this event in which Prince Edward sent Walter Langton (remember him from Edward's earlier banishment) to request the lands of Pontieu be granted to Piers instead of himself. The King was furious.

"‘What negotiation have you promoted through this man?" he asked the Prince.
"That I might, with your acquiescence, give Ponthieu to my lord Piers de Gaveston."
"You baseborn whoreson," shouted the King. "Do you want to give away lands now, you who never gained any? As the lord lives, if it were not for fear of breaking up the kingdom you should never enjoy your inheritance!'
And seizing a tuft of the Prince's hair in each hand, he tore out as much as he could, until he was exhausted, whence he throw him out."
Walter of Guisborough

The bond between Piers and Edward was plainly homosexual, behavior condemned in the medieval culture as it was seen as divergent to religious practice.
But, that may have only been in theory. The system of military orders and knighthood with its exclusive male brotherhood, made homosexuality undoubted common.
In fact, the critism of the Piers/Edward relationship was less a matter of their sexual preference then of Piers complete control of the Prince combined with his abrasive and annoying personality. Mistresses and Lovers (hetero and homo) were common in the royal courts for centuries. It was only scandalous when one of them step outside their "office." Another example of the English's rules of order concerning a person's role and how they were suppose to conduct themselves in those roles. Edward was clearly obsessed with his lover and unable to walk away from him. Even while Piers was in exile Edward kept him in luxury, lavishing him with gifts of tunic, tapestries and a full entourage to pamper him. Discretion was especially then and for royalty the better part of valor.
Edward turn away long enough from Piers long enough to rejoin his father in Scotland. Robert the Bruce's star was on the ascent , triumphanting at Loundon Hill, disgracing Longshank's military. By the time Edward arrived, Longshanks had succumbed to a lengthy illness. The Prince turned the army around and headed by for England and his coronation and to receive his inheritance.

"What did the new king inherit? He was now head of a kingdom whose exchequer was heavily in debt, whose manpower and resources had been strained by warfare in Wales, Flanders, Gascony and Scotland and whose revenues were in pawn to the Frescobaldi and the Bardi, (hated moneylenders of Florence). The English baronage held to a tradition of oligarchic privilege which had several times in the previous hundred years humbled the monarchy and which, in spite of what late hindsight has discerned, paid little heed to new political forces emerging from below. At the very moment of accession, yet another Scottish expedition was in preparation----this time to face the full-scale rebellion of the usurper Robert Bruce.
It was not a happy heritage."
Harold F. Hutchinson
"Edward II 1284-1327"

At the time of the Prince's coronation, insidious gossip and critical analysis of his lifestyle were put aside. The nation seemed to be delighted.
The marriage of the King to Isabella, the daughter of the King of France was performed almost simultaneously and there must have been quite an air of joyous celebration throughout the empire. Excitement and anticipation of a new King and Queen was
abound. And why not? Edward II was an exceptionally handsome man with a powerful physique and pleasant enough personality. His bride, the lovely Isabella had certainly inherited the striking looks of her father Phillip the Fair. Two beautiful people surrounded by the most opulent of services. The grand affair of the coronation and marriage must have filled the streets with
the echoing of bells and the soft voices of choirs.
But, the celebrations were short lived as Edward started about asserting his newly granted authority. His favorites were quickly placed into high offices, while those less favored by him, regardless of outstanding service to the Crown, where cast out. Poor Walter Langton, was imprisoned in the tower.
Not surprisingly, his most anxious order was the return to England of his most beloved Piers Gaveston. To the shock and disapproval of the English baronage, Edward granted Piers (a mere common Gascon Knight) the
distinquished title of "Earl of Cornwall" with all its inherent riches.
If that moved seemed ridiculous to the baronage, they were even more astounded that Edward apparently abandoned the Scottish expedition. Leaving, Robert the Bruce plenty of room to gather forces and strike virtually unchallenged.
His obsession with Piers and his lack of effort to quell Scotland opened a wide rift between the King and his Barons. Mostly, they absolutely could not abide the presence of Piers.

"Gaveston was ostentatious, with a quick wit which attracted envy and hatred, and he behave with an arrogance bordering on contempt for others. A great warrior, he often humiliated the Kingdom's great men in tournaments: Gaveston devised abusive descriptions for some of his fellow barons; Guy de Beuchamp. Earl of Warwick was, "The Black Dog of Arden," Pembroke was "Joseph
the Jew", Gloucester was a "Cuckold's bird."
Harold F. Hutchinson
"Edward II 1284-1327"

So obsessed with what the people of England considered a commoner, and worst
foreigner, that a French guest at the wedding said of the King that he "preferred the couch of Piers to Isabella's bed." Isabella was completely caste aside in favor of Piers, to the extent that even the finest gifts of jewels and treasure that were part of her wedding gifts, were presented to Piers. Isabella's outrage was matched by that of Phillip the Fair, her
father. More advantage to Robert the Bruce!
The baronage, united in their hatred, eventually were able to force Piers into another exile, by threatening civil war. With the exception of Hugh Despenser (another of Edward's lovers) Edward had little support and
relinquished to the demand, if not for Piers safety, for the good of England.

"The seditious quarrel between the King and the barons spread throughout England, and the whole land was much desolated by the tumult. For it seemed certain that the quarrel once begun could not be settled without great destruction."
Lancaster Chronicles

Piers was sent to Ireland, stripped of his titles. But, again, a very "comfortable" exile was afforded him.
It was around this time that Philip the Fair began his malicious indictment of the Templars. England had begun to follow suit helping to line their coffers with the ill gotten treasures snatched from the ill-fated knights.
Certainly, England was beginning to fill the drain of Edward's extravagance and generosity. The Templar's money was a temporary boost to the country's revenue, but the people, still feeling the pinch could not have been more resentful of Piers.
Edward's main concern was the return of his love and he set about granting large estates and huge sums of money in appeasement, hoping to win the the baronage's favor and Piers return.
With the distractions of royal favoritism, baronial jealousy and the routing of the Templars, England lost castle after to castle to Robert the Bruce and his men.
By Autumn of 1309 Piers Gaveston returned secretly to England. Edward had
successfully divided up the forces of the barons. Initially, they were too divided to challenge Piers appearance. But, once again, the smug Piers could not keep a low profile. His treatment of the baronage was worst then ever. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, for example, was booted out of office and his riches granted to Piers.
By December of 1310 the baronage were to meet in London by royal edict. They
replied that they would not come unless they came in full armor. They would not do otherwise as long "as their chief enemy, who had set baronage and the realm in an uproar, was lurking in the King's chamber."
Edward conceded and sent Piers away while he conferred with his barons.
During the meeting the barons insisted that due to the deterioration of the kingdom since the death of Edward I , there should be an ordinance of twelve "discreet and powerful men of good reputation by whose judgement and decree conditions should be reformed and ameliorated." If this demand was not met, the barons would set out on a campaign to have Edward removed from the throne. Once again, Edward gave way to the barons and allowed them to establish the "Ordainers."
What a striking difference between Edward I and his father. Edward II has to be given credit for in each of these instances deciding in favor of what he felt was "best for England." But, one can't help but reflect on what Longshank's reaction would have been to the baronage's ultimatums. Had he still reigned, this author feels that there would have been plenty of "missing" barons, maybe a few would have been "accidentally"
thrown from their horses over a jagged cliff.
But, this was not the case, and the Ordainers were elected. Some of them
were Robert Winchelsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, six bishops, Thomas, Earl
of Lancaster and Gilbert of Clare , Earl of Gloucester.
Edward left the Ordainers to debate on their reforms and main set of ordinances, while he gathered a much needed campaign against Scotland.
This was in some historians view, a diversion, to keep Edward from Phillip
the Fair who had commanded he come to France and pay him fealty. Edward did
not want to leave Piers behind where plots were developing to rid of him and he certainly could not take him with him to the land of his bitter father-in-law whose daughter he regularly insulted.
The King along with a Piers and several other earls led a large contingent to Scotland to set up headquarter at Berwick. But, once established, there was no sign of Robert the Bruce. Having fine tuned his guerilla tactics,
the Bruce, had surprising decided not to engage in open battle. This allowed Edward and his army to stay in Scotland for almost a year as they restock and fortified the English held castles.
The Ordainers (whom I think Edward was really trying to avoid) were not amused by his absence. Eventually, Edward had to return to England at their summons, ending a campaign in what could not qualify as either a victory or a failure.
The Ordainers and the Barons used an "extra" oath given by Edward during his
coronation, "to bow to the will of the people" as legal right to exercise their demands and establish their order. That oath was a noble announcement indeed for a Plantagenet, but, one that he would eventually regret.
The Ordainers wanted to restrict the King's power concerning war and taxation and of course the first order of business was the expulsion of Piers Gaveston. The King allowed for all of the demands. But, later when the Ordainers insisted that the King remove "all" of his supporters from the royal household, he took a stand. So, infuriated was the King at this insult that he immediately recalled Piers ad swore from that point on to "use his own judgement freely."
This defiant gesture, tore the fragile threads of his relationship with the Ordainers and his barons apart. And as soon as they were able, the Barons took advantage of a temporary separation between Piers and Edward to capture the Gascon Knight, whose entry back into England , by their rationale was illegal.
It was Aymer de Valence, the Earl of Pembroke who acquired Piers' surrender
during a planned raid. The two agreed that if Piers surrounded. Pembroke would see to it that he would be kept safe until his trail. But, Guy de Beuchamp, Earl of Warwick, learning of the capture, stole Piers out from under the nose of Pembroke.
On June 19, 1312, Gaveston was led from prison. The earls (Warwick and Lancaster) had discussed Piers fate and they had concluded that he should not be hanged as a thief, nor drawn as a traitor, but beheaded as a nobleman.
He was taken to Black Hill (land belonging to Lancaster) with the other
earls looking on, Thomas of Lancaster handed the knight over to two Welshmen. One ran him through his body with a sword, while the other cut of his head.

"Gaveston was wicked, impious and criminal and as such deserved to die. But
the manner of his death was likewise criminal. He men who inflicted his disgraceful death on Gaveston were themselves disgraced. And it was a death
especially to be deplored because later it was the excuse for the shedding of so much noble blood in the horrors of civil war."
Haskin, Speculum XIV
Translated in Ed.II by Hutchinson

England was tossed into a dismal internal feud. Thomas, Earl of Lancaster (the King's cousin, by the way) was rightfully infuriated by Warwick's execution of Piers. He was Lancaster's responsibility and his honor and promise had been trampled upon by the other barons. Internal bickering
continued, with Edward determined to find a way to punish the murderers of Piers (whom without a doubt Edward truly loved).
Finally, Glouchester and several of the King's bishops convinced him that the greatest and most immediate threat was coming not from the barons but from Robert the Bruce!
During this time of virtual free rein, Bruce had time to regroup, rest and plan.
He had gained the support of the Church (even though he was excommunicated)
and Phillip the Fair had acknowledged him secretly. Without England, breathing down his neck, Bruce was allowed to turn his attention within Scotland, to establish a parliament and even more eventful take care of some old enemies, beginning with the Comyns.
The "harrying" of the Comyn territory in Buchan became legendary. Next, he had turned his sites on the MacDougall's at Dunstaffnage. The now famed, James Douglas, in the meantime, took control of the Southwest.

"The surge of victory swept on. The English it is true, at times invaded, notably in 1310 and 1312; but Bruce repeatedly raided the north of England, and in 1313, seized the Isle of Man. One by one, the English strongholds fell: Forfar, Brechin, Dundee, Perth, Dumfries and Caerlaverock."
J.D. Mackie
"A History of Scotland"

King Edward II , who had inherited his father's troubles, but not is talent, had finally gotten a public apology from the baron's for their involvement in Piers Gaveston's death. But, overshadowing even that incredulous event was Queen Isabella giving birth to the couple's first male child and heir, obligingly named Edward III. England was regaining her footing and the populace, calmed by the barons olive branch and joyous of the young prince's birth was re-energizing her national identity. It seemed Edward could now turn his attention to Robert the Bruce and his maraudering Scots.
It is no stretch of the intellect to deduce this new found enthusiasm and direction was coming too late. Bruce had so taken advantage of Edward's distractions that less than a handful of castles remanded in England's hands. His momentum had been allowed to build unrestrained and his supporters, in Scotland, now far outweighed his enemies.

"With him stood the Celtic Earls of Lennox and Atholl, and members of other families which were to become great ------- a Fraser, a Fleming, a Boyd, a Campbell, not to mention "a Douglas". What is most important of all is that the people came to trust him . Scotland had not forgotten the days of Alexander III and English brutality had served to harden the spirit of nationality which still survived beneath the heel of the oppressor. When Bruce proved himself a true champion, he found men to follow him."
J.D. Mackie
"History of Scotland"

Bruce had also adopted a scorched earth policy, once liberating the castles, he would burn them to the ground to prevent English re-occupation. By 1314 only two castles remained : Bothwell and Stirling. Stirling, a "gateway" between north and south Scotland was the most important.
Bruce had given his talented brother, Edward Bruce, the task of bringing the
valuable possession into submission, while he had been teaming up with the mighty
Angus MacDonald of the Isle, successfully returning the Isle of Man to the Scots.
Arriving back afterward the expedition, Robert the Bruce, was met with the disparaging news that his brother had entered into an agreement with the English guardian of Stirling Castle, Sir Phillip Mowbray. An agreement that would set the stage for a decisive "open" battle between the "decadent," "idle" King Edward II of England and the "industrious", "bold" Robert the
Bruce, King of Scots-------
A battle neither was prepared to fight, but one neither could refuse.

Next week --- The battle is on!!
The Rumble In the Marsh!
The Bristle in the Thistle!
The Wassle near the Castle!
The Burnnnnnn in the Burnnnnn!

Where will you be when Scones vs Crumpets?! When Claymore hits the Sword!!
Don't miss this once in a lifetime event!!
King vs King --- Knight vs Ghillie!!!
Folks don't read about this later in a broadsheet--- or wait for the ballad to come out!!
Front row seats still available!!! Plenty of parking (but please stay off the heather).
Tickets available at Ticketmaster or see your local minstrel!

RETURN TO WINDHOVERS HOMEPAGE:
The History of Scotland