Introduction
In 1286, Alexander III, King of Scots, was killed in a riding accident; four years later his heiress and granddaughter Margaret died in Orkney aged just seven, leaving Scotland without a clear successor. Thirteen ‘Competitors’ staked a claim. They were whittled down to two, John Balliol and Robert de Brus, and to John Barbour’s disbelief the squabbling Scots asked Edward I of England to choose the winner.
THE Barons were thus at discord that could in no way be brought to settlement, till at last they all agreed that their whole argument should be sent in writing to Sir Edward, King of England, and he should swear that, without guile, he would decide the question which of these two should succeed to such an eminence: and let him reign that had the right! *
This arrangement seemed to them the best, for at that time all was peace and quiet between Scotland and England, and they could not perceive the hurt looming towards them. Since the King of England had held such friendship and alliance with their king who was so noble, they trusted that he, as a good neighbour and friendly umpire, would judge in loyalty. But all otherwise went the game.
* John Balliol was a son of John, 5th Baron Balliol, Lord of Barnard Castle and founder of Balliol College in Oxford. His rival was Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale (?1210–1295); he should not be mistaken for his grandson Robert ‘the Bruce’, King of Scots from 1306 to 1329 and the hero of John Barbour’s epic poem. The two primary claimants in Scotland’s ‘Great Cause’ were both descended from King David I of Scotland (r. 1124-1153). Robert was a great-great-grandson, and in addition had been Alexander III’s second cousin, and also Regent and later heir presumptive; Balliol was David I’s great-great-great-grandson. Both were descended from David through David’s grandson David of Huntingdon, but whereas John was descended from Huntingdon’s eldest child Margaret, Robert was descended from his fifth child and fourth daughter Isobel. The pros and cons were therefore a tricky business.
Précis
In 1290, John Barbour recalled, the Scottish throne fell vacant and thirteen candidates stepped up to claim it. The Scots were unable to agree who should inherit, so they put two of the thirteen names to Edward I of England, trusting that as he had been an ally of their revered king Alexander III, he would deal fairly with them. (60 / 60 words)
In 1290, John Barbour recalled, the Scottish throne fell vacant and thirteen candidates stepped up to claim it. The Scots were unable to agree who should inherit, so they put two of the thirteen names to Edward I of England, trusting that as he had been an ally of their revered king Alexander III, he would deal fairly with them.
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Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: although, because, if, must, not, or, otherwise, unless.
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
What was the question that the Scots put to King Edward I?
Suggestion
Which of two men should be King. (7 words)
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
The Scots had no king. Thirteen men claimed the crown. The barons could not agree a winner.
Variation: Try rewriting your sentence so that it uses one or more of these words: 1. Compete 2. Give 3. Which