13 June 1291
Edward I recognised as Scotland's overlord

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A body of Scottish nobles and clerics – the Guardians of the Realm – makes the mistake of asking Edward I, Alexander III's brother-in-law, to decide between the different claimants to the Scottish throne (see 18 March 1286). His price is their recognition of him as feudal overlord; they agree as long as he doesn't interfere in Scottish affairs. The man chosen as Scotland's new king is John Balliol, earl of Galloway, who soon becomes Edward's puppet. When battle ensues, at Berwick in August 1291, the victorious Edward hauls off Scotland's treasures to Westminster, including the Stone of Destiny on which Scottish kings are crowned. Balliol is locked in the Tower of London and English nobles run the show north of the border.

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