John

John Balliol's reign as King of Scotland was from November 30, 1292, until he was deposed in July 1296. His relatively short reign was characterized by conflicts with Edward I of England and internal disputes, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of the Wars of Scottish Independence.

John Balliol was deposed due to the mounting pressures from Edward I of England and his own inability to effectively resist Edward’s demands and maintain Scottish independence. The relationship between Scotland and England had deteriorated significantly after John Balliol’s accession to the throne, with Edward I asserting overlordship over Scotland.

In response to Edward’s demands and interventions, John eventually sought to form an alliance with France in 1295, a move that angered Edward and led to the invasion of Scotland in 1296, marking the beginning of the First War of Scottish Independence. Following the unsuccessful defence of Scotland and a series of defeats, John Balliol formally surrendered his realm and was stripped of his royal title by Edward I. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London before being released into exile in France, where he spent much of the remainder of his life, effectively ending his reign as the king of Scotland.

Also known as "Toom Tabard"