Summary Of The Scottish Guardianship Of 1286-1306 By Norman Reid

In his article, “The kingless kingdom: the Scottish guardianship of 1286-1306,” Norman Reid argues that Scotland remained strong in the face of difficult times without a king by introducing the community of the realm. He states throughout that this guardianship was effective in governing Scotland and upheld the dignity of the kingdom. This essay will summarise and evaluate his case arguing that it is clear, well evidenced and, therefore, convincing. Reid begins by setting out his points of discussion in the article, indicating that it will only focus on certain periods of time. This will be between the death of Alexander III in 1286 to Edward I’s overlordship of Scotland in 1291 and the absence of a king in 1296 after the abdication of John

He evidences this well with a quote from chronicler, Fordun, who states that those involved in politics and members of the clergy from all over Scotland, elected these guardians. The author further informs the reader that in appointing guardians, the inclusion of well known families, such as the Comyns, was taken into consideration. This was to address particular social and political interests of the people. Reid’s evidence here certainly supports his main argument that Scotland could maintain a degree of stability without a monarch to rule the

Reid explains, in great detail, the push made by the guardians to maintain the status of the kingdom by carrying out politics across seas. An example of this is the release of John Balliol from Edward I due to pressure from the pope. This is certainly convincing of Reid’s main point as Scotland, under the rule of guardians, could remain intact and even thrive in foreign affairs when deprived of royal influence.

To further add to his argument that Scotland were not helpless without a king, Reid states that the guardians, themselves, thought they had the power to be deemed, ‘sovereign,’ and equal to the king. This is evidenced in the changing forms of styles and seals noted by Reid. The creation of the royal seal with the image of St. Andrew and the lion rampant, pushed the importance of the guardians and the establishment of them having any power that could match royalty. This is a very informative argument made by Reid and credits his moot point that the guardians could rule with great effect on their