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ScotlandHistoryQuick questions
Scottish context: The Wars of Independence, 1286-1328
Quick questions on The succession problem 1286-1292 - SQA National 5 History
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is the death of Alexander III, 1286?Show answer
Alexander III had ruled Scotland through a long period of relative stability. His death in 1286, after falling from his horse, was a disaster for the succession because all of his own children had already died. The crown's only direct heir was his granddaughter Margaret, the Maid of Norway, a small child living in Norway. A kingdom that had expected a settled adult succession now faced rule by an absent infant.
What is the death of the Maid of Norway, 1290?Show answer
The settlement collapsed when Margaret died in 1290 while travelling from Norway to Scotland. Her death removed the last direct descendant of Alexander III and left the throne genuinely vacant, with no agreed successor. Now several nobles, above all the rival houses of Bruce and Balliol, had claims they were willing to press. Fearing that this could tip into civil war, the Guardians asked Edward I of England to help decide between the claimants, a step that would prove fateful for Scottish independence.
What is q1?Show answer
Who was the heir to the Scottish throne when Alexander III died in 1286, and what was unusual about the situation? [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
What did the Treaty of Birgham (1290) arrange and promise? [2 marks]
What is q3?Show answer
Why did the death of the Maid of Norway lead the Guardians to involve Edward I? [2 marks]
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