On this day in history - John Balliol's claim to the Scottish throne was recognised

John Balliol's claim to the Scottish throne was officially recognised by England's King Edward I and a panel of Scottish auditors on 17 November 1292 at Berwick Castle.

Thirteen candidates had petitioned Edward I for their right to the Scottish throne following the death of Princess Margaret in 1290. Edward believed that Balliol would be one of the easiest candidates to influence, and so granted him the throne. Balliol abdicated in 1296 and after imprisonment in the Tower of London, was allowed to live out the rest of his life in France.

John Balliol timeline

• 1249 - John Balliol born in Scotland or County Durham
• 1284 - Balliol attends a parliament accepting Margaret of Norway as heiress of King Alexander III of Scotland
• 17 November 1292 - Balliol's claim to the throne officially recognised
• 30 November 1292 - Balliol inaugurated at Scone
• 10 July 1296 - Balliol abdicates and is stripped of the Arms of Scotland
• July 1299 - Released from prison in the Tower of London and flees to France
• c 25 November 1314 - Death of Balliol in France.