Edward I's journey through Scotland in 1296

The Wars of Scottish Independence are considered to have begun when Edward I crossed the border into Scotland in 1296. Edward's aims were complex but were likely connected to the signing of a treaty of alliance by Scotland's King , John Balliol, with France. By doing so, Balliol and the Scottish nobility who supported him had broken their oaths of fealty with Edward. After capturing Berwick and Dunbar Edward moved north on a tour of the most important Scottish castles and towns in an attempt to secure support and to prepare to change the institutions of the Scottish state. His reforms were seen by the Scottish nobility as an attempt to remove their privileges and to threaten Scotland's independence.

The map shows Edwards movements from March until August 1296. He reached as far north as Elgin and visited several other places in Moray. If he was trying to secure longtime support in Moray he was unsuccessful. Andrew de Moray whose family was based in the area led a revolt against Edward that opened the first phase of Scottish military resistance to his plans for reform and an attempt to establish the English monarchy as superiors and overseers to a weakened Scottish crown.