Interregnum

The Scottish Interregnum, spanning 1296 to 1306, was a tumultuous period in Scottish history marked by the absence of a recognized sovereign and characterized by multifaceted conflicts, primarily between Scotland and England. Initiated by Edward I of England's invasion in 1296, where he sought to subjugate Scotland and assimilate it under English rule, this period saw the Scottish crown in abeyance after John Balliol's abdication. Edward's brutal tactics, which included the confiscation of the Stone of Destiny, precipitated widespread resentment and resistance amongst Scots. The landscape of rebellion was spearheaded by figures like William Wallace and Andrew Moray, culminating in the iconic Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, where Scottish forces achieved a pivotal victory. Despite intermittent triumphs and setbacks, this epoch of struggle and instability ultimately laid the foundation for the ascent of Robert the Bruce to the Scottish throne in 1306, marking the close of the interregnum and the onset of a renewed quest for Scottish sovereignty.