The Great Cause decided 7918 The Great Cause

  • Slides: 9
Download presentation
The Great Cause decided

The Great Cause decided

7/9/18 The Great Cause decided AIM – Learn how the next king of Scotland

7/9/18 The Great Cause decided AIM – Learn how the next king of Scotland was selected during the Great Cause. SUCCESS CRITERIA – • Be able to explain how the Great Cause was decided and on what grounds. • Be able to describe the outcome of the Great Cause. • Be able to make an assessment of Edward’s role in the proceedings. TASKS 1. Copy today’s aim and heading into your jotter. 2. Recap the power-play which unfolded at the outset of the Great Cause at Norham in 1291. 3. Complete the group task started last lesson, working as ‘Edward’s lawyers’. You may be asked to share your findings with the class in plenary. 4. Go through today’s PPt (following this slide), taking notes where directed. 5. Finally, write your paragraph to answer ‘today’s big question’. HOMEWORK for Monday 10 th September Complete ‘today’s big question’ at home if not finished in class.

The Great Cause - recap “The political manoeuvring in the Great Cause played out

The Great Cause - recap “The political manoeuvring in the Great Cause played out like a game of chess…” – D. Darkins, 2018. • • How did Edward take the upper hand at the outset of the Great Cause? Why did the Guardians think they had gotten the better of Edward? Why did the contenders eventually all agree to Edward’s terms? What is primogeniture and which contender favoured this argument? Why did the bastards have a weak claim? What was Count Floris’ ‘trump card’? What is tanistry and which contender favoured this argument?

Group activity (cont. ) • Last lesson, your job was to work in pairs

Group activity (cont. ) • Last lesson, your job was to work in pairs taking on the role of Edward’s auditors, analysing the evidence we have to determine who has the right to be crowned as Scotland’s next king. • After several pieces of new evidence were presented, you came to a conclusion over who you thought had the strongest legal claim to crowned as Scotland’s next king. • In your jotter, you were asked to write down who you would choose to be king. Today, we are each going to write up a paragraph explaining our reasons for making this decision. • This is history in action! Today, we are working with sources and analysing information to present a conclusion based on evidence - just as Edward and his lawyers were asked to do in 1291 -92.

“The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers…” • Once the contenders

“The first thing we do, let’s kill all the lawyers…” • Once the contenders agreed to Edward’s terms, a court was set up, composed of 104 auditors. • 40 were chosen by Bruce, 40 by Balliol and 24 by Edward. • This recognised the factional split in Scottish politics at the time – it doesn’t necessarily reflect that Balliol and Bruce had the strongest claims. • The role of the auditors was to investigate the claims put forward and to answer questions on legal points. The final judgment was to be with Edward. Justice for all – or would Edward be the Master of Puppets?

The hearings How much? – like many unfortunate people throughout the ages, Edward had

The hearings How much? – like many unfortunate people throughout the ages, Edward had to bite back the urge to vomit when the lawyers passed him the bill. • It was decided to hold the hearings in Berwick, starting in August 1291. • The contenders submitted their claims and the court was adjourned until June 1292. The long delay allowed the lawyers to investigate each bid. • This gave time for Floris to search his library in Holland for documented proof of his claim that David, Earl of Huntingdon had surrendered his rights – and those of his descendants - to the throne. If it existed, this would rule out Balliol, Bruce and John of Hastings from the Cause. • Even in spite of its importance, it is odd Edward allowed so long for the search for the document. In the end however, Floris couldn't find the letter.

 • When the sessions resumed, the court debated over which law of inheritance

• When the sessions resumed, the court debated over which law of inheritance should apply. • John of Hastings argued Scotland should be partible - as an earldom was – and able to be shared amongst successors. • Partition must have been tempting to Edward as it would have made Scotland easier for him to dominate. Nevertheless, he investigated the proposal meticulously, summoning lawyers from Oxford and abroad to give him advice. • Hastings was overruled – the court narrowed the issue to either Bruce or Balliol and adjourned again until October 1292. Edward loved dressing up. He was having a cracking time playing the judge and took his job very seriously.

The decision • On 17 th November, Edward and his councillors gave their judgment.

The decision • On 17 th November, Edward and his councillors gave their judgment. • They unanimously agreed that the laws of primogeniture applied, and that John Balliol was legally entitled to be crowned as Scotland’s next king. John Balliol gets the gig of his life – but would it be a poison chalice? • The court’s proceedings were meticulous and there can be little doubt that Edward came to an entirely proper decision.

Today’s ‘Big Question’ John of Hastings’ argument for a ‘split’ decision didn’t go down

Today’s ‘Big Question’ John of Hastings’ argument for a ‘split’ decision didn’t go down well at the court. • Take note of the question in your jotter and write an answer drawing upon the notes you have taken today: • Were Edward I’s intentions (and actions) towards Scotland honourable or dubious during his judgment of the Great Cause?