Question 1

Why was Edward I called the 'Hammer of the Scots'?

Accepted Answer

Edward I earned the nickname 'Hammer of the Scots' (inscribed on his tomb) due to his relentless military campaigns against Scotland. He invaded Scotland in 1296, deposed King John Balliol, and attempted to assert English overlordship. However, the Scots resisted under leaders like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, and Edward died in 1307 while marching north to crush another rebellion. The title reflects his aggressive policy, but not ultimate success.

Question 2

What were the key legal reforms of Edward I?

Accepted Answer

Edward I's legal reforms, known as the Statutes of Westminster (1275, 1285, 1290), aimed to standardize English law and strengthen royal authority. The First Statute (1275) addressed issues like bribery and the rights of the Church. The Second Statute (1285) dealt with land inheritance and the creation of entails. The Third Statute (1290), Quia Emptores, prevented subinfeudation (subdividing land) and ensured that land transfers went directly to the crown. These reforms made law more uniform and reduced the power of feudal lords.

Question 3

How did Edward I conquer Wales?

Accepted Answer

Edward I conquered Wales through two major campaigns. In 1277, after Llywelyn ap Gruffudd refused to pay homage, Edward led a massive army into North Wales, forcing Llywelyn to surrender and cede territory. In 1282, a Welsh rebellion led by Llywelyn's brother Dafydd prompted a second, more brutal campaign. Llywelyn was killed in battle, and Dafydd was executed. The Statute of Rhuddlan (1284) annexed Wales to England, imposed English law, and divided the land into counties. Edward also built a ring of castles (e.g., Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech) to control the region.

Question 4

What was the Model Parliament of 1295?

Accepted Answer

The Model Parliament of 1295 was a meeting of the English Parliament called by Edward I to gain support for his wars in France and Scotland. It included clergy, nobles, and representatives from each county and borough (knights and burgesses). This composition became a model for future parliaments, as it represented the three estates (clergy, lords, and commons). The parliament granted taxes in exchange for the king addressing grievances, reinforcing the principle that taxation required consent.

Question 5

Why did Edward I expel the Jews from England in 1290?

Accepted Answer

Edward I expelled the Jewish population from England in 1290 primarily for financial reasons. Jews were a source of royal revenue through taxes and fines, but by the late 13th century, their economic usefulness had declined. Edward needed funds for his wars and saw expulsion as a way to seize Jewish assets and cancel debts owed to them. Additionally, anti-Semitic sentiment was widespread, and the expulsion was popular among the nobility and Church. The Edict of Expulsion remained in force until 1656.

Question 6

What was the significance of the Confirmation of the Charters (1297)?

Accepted Answer

The Confirmation of the Charters (1297) was a document issued by Edward I in response to baronial opposition to his heavy taxation for wars in France and Scotland. It reaffirmed Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest, guaranteeing that taxes would only be levied with the consent of the realm. This was a significant concession that limited royal power and reinforced the principle of parliamentary consent. It also included a clause that prevented the king from imposing arbitrary taxes, setting a precedent for future struggles between crown and parliament.

Medieval England: the reign of Edward I, 1272–1307

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