1294. Quarrel with France. Philip by an artifice obtained possession of Guienne. The duchy was restored in 1303.
1296. WAR WITH SCOTLAND. Baliol revolted against Edward. The latter invaded Scotland, and captured Berwick. The earl of Surrey gained a great victory over the Scots at Dunbar (April 27). Baliol made his submission, and was sent to the Tower.
1297. The clergy, who had been very heavily taxed in this reign, on refusing a new demand, were outlawed by the king, and their property was seized for his benefit. To recover it, they were compelled to make a large payment. The Scots, under Sir William Wallace, utterly routed the English at Cambuskenneth, near Stirling (Sept. 10). A statute called Confirmatio Chartarum enacted, by which the Great Charter, and the Charter of Forests, were solemnly confirmed.
These charters were to be read in cathedral churches twice a year; excommunication was pronounced against the breakers of the charters; and no new taxes were to be levied except by consent of parliament.
1298. Edward invaded Scotland, and completely defeated Wallace at Falkirk (July 22).
1303. Battle of Roslin (Feb. 24), in which the advantage lay with the Scots.
1304. Surrender of Stirling Castle. Conquest of Scotland completed.
1305. Wallace captured, and executed as a traitor.
1306. Robert Bruce, grandson of one of the competitors for the Scottish crown, assumed the title of king. He was defeated at Methven (June 19), and escaped to the Western Isles.
1307. Bruce emerged from his retreat at Rathlin, and defeated the English at Loudon Hill (May 10). Edward determined to punish the Scots, and marched northward, but his intention was frustrated by death.