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John Balliol or John de Balliol (c. 1249 – late 1314), known derisively as Toom Tabard (meaning ’empty coat’), was King of Scots from 1292 to 1296. Little is known of his early life.
After the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway, Scotland entered an interregnum during which several competitors for the Crown of Scotland put forward claims. Balliol was chosen from among them as the new King of Scotland by a group of selected noblemen headed by King Edward I of England.
John Balliol acceded to the Scottish throne on November 17, 1292. His ascension marked the beginning of a tumultuous period in Scottish history, which eventually led to the First War of Scottish Independence.
Edward used his influence over the process to subjugate Scotland and undermined Balliol’s personal reign by treating Scotland as a vassal of England. Edward’s influence in Scottish affairs tainted Balliol’s reign, and the Scottish nobility deposed him and appointed a Council of Twelve to rule instead. This council signed a treaty with France known as the Auld Alliance.
John Balliol’s reign was overshadowed by disputes with King Edward I of England over matters of sovereignty and control. The conflicts between Scotland and England during this time contributed to the outbreak of the First War of Scottish Independence in 1296, a series of military campaigns that lasted until 1328.
In retaliation, Edward invaded Scotland, starting the Wars of Scottish Independence. After a Scottish defeat in 1296, Balliol abdicated and was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Eventually,
Ultimately, his reign ended in 1296 when he was forced to abdicate the throne under pressure from Edward I.
Balliol was sent to his estates in France and retired into obscurity, taking no more part in politics.
Scotland was then left without a monarch until the accession of Robert the Bruce in 1306.
John Balliol’s son Edward Balliol would later exert a claim to the Scottish throne against the Bruce claim during the minority of Robert’s son David.