The political role of the monarchy in Scotland, 1249-1329.

The personal reign of Alexander III of Scotland saw a dramatic reversal of the weak monarchy, divided community and external interference which had characterised his minority. Alexander III's policies raised the status of the monarchy in the realm and united the community, which was by that time developing a sense of nationhood. This unity was demonstrated when, on Alexander III's death, guardians were elected to rule in place of his grand-daughter, Margaret. These guardians attempted strongly to defend the threatened independence of the realm until Margaret's death. The ensuing succession crisis gave Edward I of England the opportunity to assert his claim to overlordship of Scotland . and it was in his court that the rival claims to the throne were contested , resulting in the declaration of John Balliol as King of Scots. The records of the case reveal conflicting contemporary attitudes to the succession system and to the status of the king and kingdom. Edward I's continued insistence on King John's vassal status, however, created a tripartite conflict involving King John, the Scottish community and Edward I, which led to the Scots forcing Balliol into rebellion against Edward I, who deposed him and subjected Scotland to a military occupation. Uprisings were organised in Scotland to re-establish native government under a series of guardianships which chose to govern in the name of King John. This period saw a notable growth in the self-awareness of the Scottish community, and further development of constitutional theories. Two years after the period of guardianship had ended with a re-submission to Edward I, Robert Bruce led a further rebellion, and, making use of the strength of both monarchy and community which had developed since 1249, he established himself on the throne, secured the independence of the kingdom and recreated . in some measure, the "Golden Age" of Alexander III. By 1329 the outward appearance of continuity with the time of Alexander III belies the strong undercurrent of development which had affected Scotland in the intervening period. The concept of monarchy, in particular, had developed as a symbol of national identity, upon which the Scots' struggle for independence had largely rested.