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Home / Historical Periods / Medieval Scotland / Wars of Scottish Independence

War

Wars of Scottish Independence

1296–1357 CE

The Wars of Scottish Independence began after succession disputes and Edward I’s intervention in Scotland. Figures such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Edward I, and Edward II became central to the struggle. The wars involved battles, guerrilla tactics, shifting noble loyalties, sieges, diplomacy, and long-term resistance.

The wars matter because they defined medieval Scottish sovereignty and national memory. They also showed the limits of English conquest when faced with geography, local resistance, and determined leadership. The conflict changed the politics of both Scotland and England.

Robyn Young’s Insurrection trilogy and Nigel Tranter’s Bruce novels are central fiction for this period. The wars suit novels about outlaw leadership, divided nobility, betrayal, endurance, castles, and the transformation of Robert Bruce from claimant into king.

Related people for Wars of Scottish Independence

Edward, the Black Prince1330–1376 Edward Bruce1275–1318 Edward III of England1312–1377 Edward II of England1284–1327 Edward I of England1239–1307 Henry III of England1207–1272 Isabella of France1295–1358 Jacques de Molaydied 1314 Llywelyn ap Gruffudd1220–1282 Philip IV of France1268–1314 Robert the Bruce1274–1329 Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March1287–1330 Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester1208–1265 William Wallace1270–1305

Series

Series about Wars of Scottish Independence (2 series)

Bravehearts Chronicles in Order

by Jack Whyte 3 books 4.4

The Bravehearts Chronicles follows Scotland’s struggle against English domination through the lives of William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and the men whose campaigns turned a disputed succession into a war for national survival. Each novel concentrates on a different stage of the conflict, from Wallace’s rise and execution…

Margaret Kerr Trilogy in Order

by Candace Robb 3 books 3.9

The Margaret Kerr trilogy follows a Scottish merchant's wife searching for truth and personal independence during the opening year of the Wars of Scottish Independence. In 1297 Margaret travels through occupied Edinburgh and a country divided among supporters of John Balliol, Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and Edward…

Books

28 Best Novels About the Wars of Scottish Independence

Bestselling authors first, then star rating.