King Edward Balliol


c.1283 - 1364

Unsuccessful King. Son of John Balliol (1249 - 1313). When his father was forced to abdicate, Edward was imprisoned in England by King Edward I (1239 - 1307). Released with his father to live in France, Balliol returned to Scotland to press his claim for the throne in 1332. Backed by King Edward III of England (1312-77), he landed an army of 3400 at Kinghorn and routed the Scottish army at Dupplin Moor, led by the Earl of Mar, who was Regent to the young King David II, son of Robert the Bruce (1274 - 1329).

Balliol was crowned at Scone in September 1332, but only months later he was forced to flee half-clothed from Annan following a surprise attack by nobles loyal to David II. He pressed his claim to the throne during other incursions from the south and continued as puppet-king until 1336, before retiring to England once again. He surrendered his titles and throne to Edward III in 1356 in return for a pension and retired permanently to France where he died without an heir.


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