Late Medieval Period

The Late Medieval Period in Scotland (1296-1500) was a tumultuous era marked by significant political, military, and social changes. The period commenced with the English invasion in 1296, leading to the Wars of Scottish Independence, which saw figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce rise to prominence. After Bruce's victory at Bannockburn in 1314, Scotland maintained its independence but experienced internal strife and power struggles among its nobility. The Auld Alliance with France was a key foreign relationship, providing support against English ambitions. By the 15th century, the Stewart dynasty established a more centralized monarchy, but external threats and internal challenges, including clan rivalries and tensions with the burgeoning burghs, persisted until the Renaissance began to influence Scotland by the end of the period.