Scotland’s Alexander III, having established a united and economically prosperous Scotland, on March 18-19, 1286 dies suddenly at forty-five in a riding accident; his three-year-old granddaughter Margaret, called the “Maid of Norway,” succeeds him.

Northwest Europe (1288–1299 CE): Succession, Warfare, and Legal Innovation

England: Continued Consolidation and Scottish Intervention

Edward I continued to strengthen his dominion, increasingly asserting influence over Scotland following the Scottish succession crisis after Alexander III's death. In 1290, the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway, Alexander's granddaughter and last heir, left Scotland without a direct ruler, prompting Edward I to arbitrate among competing Scottish nobles in the Great Cause (1291–1292). Edward selected John Balliol as King of Scots, but his heavy-handed interference led to widespread Scottish resentment and rebellion, culminating in open conflict and Edward's invasion of Scotland in 1296. Edward decisively defeated Scottish forces at the Battle of Dunbar, captured Edinburgh, and temporarily subdued Scotland, seizing the symbolic Stone of Scone.

Scotland: Crisis and National Resistance

The period after 1288 was dominated by Scotland's succession crisis, foreign intervention, and resistance. After Edward's conquest and subjugation of Scotland in 1296, William Wallace emerged as a leader of national resistance, famously defeating English forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. However, Wallace's subsequent defeat at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298 restored temporary English dominance, prolonging the struggle for Scottish independence.

Ireland: Persistent Gaelic-Norman Rivalries

Norman influence remained dominant around major coastal towns, while the Gaelic Irish persistently resisted Norman expansion in Ulster and Connacht. This period was marked by continuous clashes, reinforcing the pattern of fragmented control and limiting effective Norman centralization.

Denmark: Turmoil and Royal Intrigue

The reign of Eric V Klipping ended abruptly when he was assassinated in 1286, plunging Denmark into internal conflict. His successor, Eric VI Menved, took the throne amid accusations and political intrigue, dealing with prolonged internal rebellions and disputes with neighboring principalities throughout the decade. Nonetheless, he strove to strengthen royal authority and stability through legal reforms and administrative consolidation.

Norway: Haakon V and Continued Legal Advances

Following the death of Magnus VI Lagabøte in 1280, Norway transitioned through the brief reign of Eric II Magnusson (1280–1299), and subsequently his brother Haakon V. Haakon continued Magnus's emphasis on strengthening royal authority and administrative structures, furthering the establishment of a robust and centralized monarchy.

Iceland: Cultural and Political Resilience

Despite continued Norwegian dominance, Icelandic intellectual and literary traditions flourished. The Althing, though influenced by external powers, continued to function as a crucial institution, embodying Iceland's cultural resilience and autonomy. Saga literature, including the widespread circulation of works like Njal's Saga and the Völsunga saga, remained central to Icelandic identity and cultural expression.

Economic and Urban Development

Economic growth persisted across Northwest Europe, driven by dynamic trade in wool, timber, and luxury goods. Major cities—London, Bruges, Bergen, and Dublin—continued their infrastructural and commercial expansion, serving as thriving hubs of trade and cultural exchange.

Religious and Scholarly Influence

The influence of mendicant orders like the Dominicans and Franciscans remained strong, enhancing educational and religious life. Intellectual activity continued, building upon the earlier contributions of Roger Bacon and Robert Grosseteste, with scholastic traditions influencing emerging academic communities across Northwest Europe.

Literary and Cultural Flourishing

The popularity of Middle English romances such as Havelok the Dane signaled ongoing literary development, emphasizing themes of ideal kingship, social justice, and the lived experiences of everyday people, reflecting a complex and increasingly sophisticated literary culture.

Legacy of the Era

By 1299 CE, Northwest Europe had experienced significant developments: the turbulent conquest and rebellion in Scotland, the continuing Gaelic resistance in Ireland, internal strife in Denmark, the enduring Norwegian commitment to legal centralization, and Iceland’s robust cultural legacy. Collectively, these factors underscored the ongoing transformation toward powerful, centralized states and distinct national identities, setting the stage for later medieval developments.

Alexander II’s heiress, the young Queen Margaret of Scotland, called “the Maid of Norway,” and destined to be the bride of the son of the English king, dies unexpectedly in 1290 on her voyage from Norway to Scotland.

Thirteen men, including Robert de Bruce and John de Baliol, the youngest son of Balliol College founder John de Baliol, claim the vacant Scottish throne.

King Edward I Longshanks, as suzerain made adjudicator among the claimants, selects John de Baliol, knowing that he can control the Scottish throne through Baliol.

Crowned at Scone on November 30, 1292, Baliol later does homage to Longshanks at Newcastle, recognizing him as overlord of Scotland.