Question 1

Why did Edward I want to conquer Wales?

Accepted Answer

Edward I wanted to conquer Wales to assert full English control over the region, which had been a source of instability and rebellion. Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales, refused to pay homage to Edward, challenging his authority. Edward also sought to unify Britain under his rule and secure the Welsh borders. The conquest allowed him to implement English law and administration, as seen in the Statute of Rhuddlan (1284).

Question 2

What was the significance of the Battle of Stirling Bridge?

Accepted Answer

The Battle of Stirling Bridge (1297) was a major Scottish victory led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray. It demonstrated that the Scottish army could defeat a larger English force using superior tactics, such as exploiting the narrow bridge to attack the English as they crossed. The victory boosted Scottish morale and forced Edward I to return from Flanders. However, it was not a decisive turning point, as Edward later defeated Wallace at Falkirk (1298).

Question 3

How did Edward I's castle-building help him control Wales?

Accepted Answer

Edward I built a ring of powerful castles (e.g., Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech) to dominate the Welsh landscape and suppress rebellion. These castles were designed with concentric walls, massive towers, and water defences, making them extremely difficult to capture. They served as military bases, administrative centres, and symbols of English power. The castles also protected English settlers and trade routes, ensuring long-term control.

Question 4

What was the 'Hammer of the Scots' nickname and is it accurate?

Accepted Answer

The nickname 'Hammer of the Scots' was inscribed on Edward I's tomb, reflecting his relentless campaigns against Scotland. However, it is somewhat misleading because Edward never achieved a permanent conquest. Despite victories at Dunbar (1296) and Falkirk (1298), Scottish resistance continued under leaders like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Edward died in 1307 while marching north to crush another rebellion, leaving Scotland unconquered.

Question 5

Why did the Scottish succession crisis lead to war with England?

Accepted Answer

When Alexander III of Scotland died in 1286, his heir was his infant granddaughter Margaret, who died in 1290. This left no clear successor, and the Scottish nobles asked Edward I to arbitrate between claimants (the 'Great Cause'). Edward agreed but demanded recognition as Scotland's feudal overlord, which the Scots reluctantly accepted. He chose John Balliol as king, but then treated Scotland as a vassal state, humiliating Balliol. This led to the Treaty of Paris (1295) between Scotland and France, and Edward's invasion in 1296.

Question 6

What were the long-term consequences of Edward I's Welsh and Scottish campaigns?

Accepted Answer

Edward's Welsh campaigns led to the permanent annexation of Wales into England, with the title 'Prince of Wales' given to the English heir. However, Welsh resentment persisted and erupted in the Glyndŵr Rising (1400–1415). In Scotland, Edward's wars sparked the Wars of Scottish Independence, which lasted until 1328. They also created a deep-seated Anglo-Scottish hostility that influenced later conflicts, such as the Hundred Years' War. Financially, the wars drained English resources and contributed to political tensions with the barons.

Edward I's military campaigns in Wales and Scotland

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