Western History 72: What were some of the key milestones of the English-Scottish Wars?

Conflicts between the English and Scots were largely focused on land and political succession. These date back as early as the sixth and seventh centuries in the fight between Northumbria and the Picts.  Several battles were fought in the 11^th and 12^th centuries but it was in the 13^th to 16^th centuries that war between these two people manifested itself in the broader First and Second Wars of Scottish Independence, the Border Wars, the Anglo-Scottish wars and the Rough Wooing. What follows is a quick chronicle of these events.

1296 – Start of First War of Scottish Independence. English take Berwick-upon-Tweed and are victorious at the Battle of Dunbar.

1297 – William Wallace rebellion against English is underway. Scots undertake a successful raid at Scone and defeat English at Stirling Bridge.

1298 – Edward I’s forces defeat Scots at Battle of Falkirk. Wallace resigns as Guardian of Scotland.

1304 – English take Stirling Castle. Scots beaten back beforehand at Happrew.

1305 – Wallace is captured and executed.

1306 – Scottish rebellion led by Robert the Bruce soon to become King of the Scots.  Scores victory against English at Glen Trool and Loudon Hill.

1314 – Scots defeat English at Bannockburn in 1314. Great victory for Robert the Bruce over Edward II. Scottish independence is secured for the time being.

1320 – Declaration of Arboath – Affirmation of Scottish Independence sent to the Pope.

1328- Uneasy peace reached with the English in 1328 – Signing of The Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton

1332-1357 – Second War of Scottish Independence. David II retains Scottish throne. Independence from England secured.

Mid 15^th century – Resumption of hostilities between England and Scotland.

1512 – English defeat Scots in the Flodden Campaign

1541 – Scots are defeated in the Solway Moss Campaign. Period of the Rough Wooing.

1546 – Scotland divided by factionalized fighting between pro-Catholic and Protestant Elements.