Alexander III's death in 1286 caused a national crisis. With no heirs to the throne, Edward I of England took control. He forced leading Scottish nobles to sign a document, pledging homage and loyalty to him. English officers now occupy garrisons up and down the country. The people of Scotland are at their mercy.

Charter witnessing the signing of the ‘Ragman Rolls’, the forced oath of loyalty to Edward I of England.

Verses from 'True Thomas', one of the earliest surviving poems in Lowland Scots. It was written by poet and prophet Thomas the Rhymer, who is said to have predicted the death of Alexander III.