Black Agnes Dunbar
When Edward III sent the Earl of Salisbury to take her absent husband’s castle, Agnes brushed his attack aside - literally.
1338
King Edward III 1327-1377
When Edward III sent the Earl of Salisbury to take her absent husband’s castle, Agnes brushed his attack aside - literally.
1338
King Edward III 1327-1377
In the 14th century, Patrick, ninth Earl of Dunbar, found himself caught between the warring kings of England and Scotland, and survived by frequently changing sides. His wife was made of sterner stuff...
IN 1338, King Edward III of England saw a chance to put his own man, Edward Balliol, on the Scottish throne. So he sent the Earl of Salisbury to lay siege to Dunbar Castle on the Scottish border, while the Earl of Dunbar, Patrick, was away in France.
But Patrick’s wife Agnes, with her raven-black hair and determined character, proved to be very much her husband’s equal. She contemptuously brushed Salisbury’s attacks aside — literally. Agnes personally led her maids out with brooms to dust the castle walls wherever Salisbury’s latest assault had failed.
So it was that after five long months, Salisbury was compelled to admit defeat, and despite the best efforts of England’s King, Edward Balliol never did ascend the Scottish throne.* Black Agnes Dunbar had seen to that.
Edward was crowned king at Scone in 1332, but never recognised in Scotland, and he was quickly sent back to England. The same happened twice more, in 1333 and 1335, and in 1356 he resigned all claims to the Scottish throne in favour of Edward III of England. During all this time the Scots recognised David II (r. 1324-1371) as their King.
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Why did Edward III attack the castle when he did?
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
The Earl of Dunbar was in France. King Edward learned of it. He attacked Dunbar castle.