King John Balliol
(Toom Tabard)

1249 - 1313

Son of Devorguilla Balliol (c.1209-90) and father of Edward Balliol (c.1283 - 1364). One of several contenders for the Scottish throne, following the death of King Alexander III (1241-86), his claim won through and he was crowned at Scone in 1292. His epithet means turn-coat. To win the throne he had to pledge allegiance to the English King Edward I (1239 - 1307), but soon he found Edward's demands too much and forged the 'Auld Alliance' with France. Edward reacted by invading and the humiliating Balliol, who sued for peace at Stracathro in Angus and was stripped of his kingdom. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London, but later released provided he went to France, where later died.

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