Edward I's Scottish Wars: The Hammer of the Scots and William Wallace

After conquering Wales, Edward I turned his attention north. When King Alexander III of Scotland died in 1286, leaving only a granddaughter—the Maid of Norway—Scotland faced a succession crisis. Edward I, invited to arbitrate the 'Great Cause', chose John Balliol—but then demanded sovereignty over Scotland. The resulting war gave rise to William Wallace, whose victory at Stirling Bridge in 1297 stunned England. From the Treaty of Birgham to the execution of Wallace in 1305, this episode explores how Edward's relentless ambition forged the long War of Scottish Independence. We discuss the roles of the Guardians of Scotland, the Battle of Falkirk, and Edward's epitaph as 'Hammer of the Scots'. A story of nationhood, betrayal, and defiance. #EdwardI #WilliamWallace #ScottishWarsOfIndependence #StirlingBridge #Falkirk #JohnBalliol #MaidOfNorway #AlexanderIII #GreatCause #ToomTabard #GuardiansOfScotland #TreatyOfBirgham #MedievalEngland #MedievalScotland #HammerOfTheScots #History #FexingoHistory #Europe Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo