In 1290, Edward was asked to arbitrate in a dispute over the Scottish crown, and he demanded the right to choose the next Scottish king. He selected John Balliol, a claimant with English sympathies, but soon found that his interference in Scottish affairs created widespread resentment. In 1296, Edward invaded Scotland, deposed Balliol, and declared Scotland to be a part of the English realm.
The Scots, however, resisted fiercely. Under the leadership of figures such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, Scotland rose in rebellion against English rule. The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 was a significant Scottish victory, and Edward was forced to return to Scotland to quell the uprising. Despite several successful campaigns, Edward’s control over Scotland remained tenuous, and by the time of his death in 1307, the fight for Scottish independence was far from over.
The Development of English Law
Edward I is perhaps best known for his significant legal reforms, which had a lasting impact on the English legal system. One of his most important contributions was the development of common law. His reign saw the codification of legal procedures and the establishment of legal principles that would influence English law for centuries to come.
One of Edward’s most notable legal achievements was the passage of the Statutes of Westminster in 1275, which addressed various legal issues such as the protection of property rights, the regulation of the economy, and the reform of local administration. These statutes formed the foundation for much of English law in the centuries to follow.
Edward also took steps to centralize the judicial system, establishing a more systematic process for legal cases to be heard and decided by royal courts. He further sought to reduce the power of local lords by asserting royal control over legal matters, which was a key element of his broader strategy to consolidate his authority over both the nobility and the regions under his control. shutdown123