The Death of Alexander III and the Succession Crisis
The Royal Tragedies Begin
Give at least two reasons why the future of Alexander’s family on the throne of Scotland looked secure.
Copy and complete the table
Family Member / Year of Death / Cause of DeathQueen Margaret
Prince ----- / Measles
Princess Margaret
Prince ------/ 1284
1. Who was Alexander’s nearest living relative at the end of 1284?
2. How old was this relative and where did they live?
3. Identify four reasons why this heir to the throne was not particularly suitable.
4. How did the High Council try to solve this problem?
An error in judgement – 12 March 1286
Read through the events of the night of March 18th 1286. Design a six-cartoon storyboard. Include a short description of the event under each cartoon. Try to include all the words in bold in your description.
(Hint: Remember to plan your six drawings carefully before you begin your drawings)
A ‘kingdom without a King’
1. Find three problems associated with such a young girl becoming Queen.
2. Copy the three decisions made by the Parliament at Scone.
Question Practice – The ‘How Useful’ Question
Revise your understanding of how to tackle ‘How useful’ questions.
The T in TADDO stood for the Type of source you were asked to deal with. All types of sources have both good and bad points to them that could affect their usefulness. Collect the handout sheet and listen to your teacher’s instructions for ideas to complete it accurately.
Now have a go at the following question:
Source A is a letter written by the Guardian, Bishop Fraser of St Andrews to King Edward in October 1290.
A rumour has spread among the people that the Maid of Norway has died. The Bishop of Durham, Earl Warenne and I then heard that she has recovered from her sickness but that she is very weak. We have agreed to stay at Perth until we hear definite news about her. We have sent two knights to Orkney to find out exactly what has happened.
How useful is Source A as evidence about what happened while the Scots waited for the arrival of the Maid? 5
King Edward I
1. Mind-map the reasons why the guardians asked Edward for help.
2. What do you think Edward’s purpose was in demanding Margaret marry his own son, Edward?
3. The Scots reacted to this demand by getting Edward to sign the Treaty of Birgham. Collect and complete your copy of the scroll and paste it into your jotter.
4. How did the plans of the Guardians and Edward I suffer a blow in 1290?
5. Why did this create such a significant problem for the Scots?
Question Practice – The ‘Describe’ Question
Do you remember practising this type of question in the previous booklet? It is probably the easiest question you will face this year but still must be laid out in a particular way.
It is a good idea to note down a little list of ideas before you begin writing. After a brief opening sentence, set out each of your answers in its own sentence. 5 marks, so at least 5 points!
Use your knowledge from this booklet to answer the following question:
Describe the series of events that led to Scotland having no king or queen by 1290. 5
A Kingdom in Turmoil
1. What immediate danger facing Scotland saw the Guardians turn to Edward for help?
2. Add your previous answer to four short bullet points explaining why Edward was asked to help Scotland.
3. Note the three main terms of the Treaty of Norham.
4. Suggest two reasons why the 13 competitors agreed to his demands.
‘The Great Cause’
1. Study the laws concerning inheritance of the throne. Try to pick out a single word from each law that might help you remember what that law said.
2. Collect the diagram on ‘The Great Cause’ and complete the boxes using the speeches made by the four main candidates.
3. Now think about the laws of inheritance you learned. Who do you think had the strongest case?
The Decision
Stick your picture of the winning candidate into your jotter and note his name and coronation date beside it.
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