By 1320, Scotland faced a new set of problems. Robert the Bruce’s victory over English forces at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 had helped secure Scotland’s military freedom from England. But King Edward II still refused to recognise Scotland as independent, and the two countries continued to fight. Whilst Bruce was enjoying military success, he faced diplomatic problems. Pope John XXII was hostile towards him. Firstly, because Bruce had been excommunicated from the Church since 1306 after killing his political rival, John Comyn, and he refused to agree to the terms of a truce with England. Scotland needed a political solution for its independence to be recognised. In 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was drafted to make the case. Signed by the barons and freeholders of Scotland, the declaration justified Robert’s actions and asked the Pope to recognise Scotland as an independent kingdom and Robert the Bruce as the country’s lawful king. “It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours, that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up, but with life itself.” The Declaration of Arbroath helped pave the way towards Scottish independence in 1328, when Bruce’s excommunication was reversed and he was acknowledged as the lawful king.
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In 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was sent to the Pope to win support for Scotland in their fight against aggression from England.
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