Author: rof00047

1. a) What have been the major obstacles you have faced in putting a research project together?

Quite a significant obstacle that has affected my research was gaining access to certain crucial secondary sources. Although I was available to obtain the vast majority of secondary material myself, specific books and articles which directly pertain to my research topic were either not accessible digitally or through the university library. Finding material to assist in putting a medieval research project that was accessible and instructive was often difficult (Most of materials provided in the module related and aided primarily with modern history).

 

1. b) What strategies have you adopted to overcome these obstacles?

Thanks to the assistance of my supervisor, I was able to source PhD theses that the missing secondary works were based upon. My supervisor was also able to provide certain key articles that he had access to, which have been fruitful in my research. He was able to help me understand on how to approach a medieval research project, answering my questions and providing material that would assist in developing a better understanding of the theory. Outside the help of my supervisor, I would attempt to search for equivalent, or supplemental articles or books that might an alternative which would suffice in place of the original. Locating academic reviews of these inaccessible material also provided insight on the usefulness and strengths/weaknesses of them.

 

1. c) What has this taught you about approaching your dissertation?

Whilst there are numerous online and digital resources available, not everything that would be useful and required for my dissertation was. Ultimately I needed to be creative in order to source as much research material and content that might be of interest for my dissertation. Online repositories such as the Internet Archive and MEMSO have ensured I have all the primary source evidence and research necessary to carry out my dissertation (If restrictions on archive and library visits are not lifted). I have also been given a lot more thought into the methodological approaches that I could utilise in my dissertation. Even though my dissertation covers a medieval topic, I can still consider a number of different methodologies to approach my research; if there is sufficient evidence to use them. Finally, the emphasis on starting as early as possible in gather sources, constructing a bibliography, evaluating methodological approaches has ensured I have construction a strong framework and foundation in order to easily begin my dissertation over the summer.

 

1. d) Which aspects of the 9X6 module have been the most useful in helping you get your project ready to start?

Practical and previous examples of the methodology paper, the dissertation proposal, and a completed dissertation have been extremely fruitful and insightful. These were incredibly helpful in developing approaches and plans for my project, and critically evaluating previous work was useful in obtaining a better understanding of what a dissertation project requires to be successful. In additional to course material, meetings and discussions with my supervisor have been extremely useful in building my project up. Their advice, expertise, and guidance have built up my confidence in my topic, and has prepped me to begin undertaking my dissertation research.

 

Overall, I am grateful and happy that I had taken this module. Thanks to the work of the module co-ordinator and other staff members, I feel confident in undertaking my dissertation; equipped with the material, knowledge, and skills to tackle the research and develop an approach to structure and write my findings.

The initial goal and intention for my dissertation research is to examine the usage and significance of the Forth and Tay rivers during the Second Scottish Wars of Independence (1332-1357). Although this time period could extend to include the entire Fourteenth Century.

Primary Sources

• Rogers, Clifford J., ed. The Wars of Edward III: Sources and Interpretations. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 1999.

This edited book contains a whole collection of key sources from English, Scottish, and French perspectives throughout the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). In particular interest for research are chronicles and accounts of the Second Scottish Wars of Independence. Additionally, the book includes Secondary chapters from numerous authors, most relevant to this study would be James Campbells, ‘England, Scotland and the Hundred Years War.’

• Bower, Walter. Scotichronicon. ed. D.E.R. Watt et al. 9 vols. Aberdeen 1987-99.

Bower’s Scotichronicon is one of the few extant contemporary Scottish sources that chronicles the period of the Scottish Wars of Independence. Although, caution has to be taken over the validity and accuracy of certain accounts and the actions and characters of individuals, as Bower was commissioned by the Stewarts to write the piece. Nevertheless, it is a useful primary source to analyse the Second War of Independence.

• University of St Andrews. ‘Records of the Parliaments of Scotland.’ https://www.rps.ac.uk/.

A valuable resource that contains the records of the Parliaments of Scotland for the period of interest for research (14^th century).

• Parliament Rolls of Medieval England. Edited by Chris Given-Wilson, Paul Brand, Seymour Phillips, Mark Ormrod, Geoffrey Martin, Anne Curry and Rosemary Horrox. Woodbridge: Boydell 2005. British History Online, accessed February 5, 2021, http://www.british-history.ac.uk/no-series/parliament-rolls-medieval.

This site contains the parliamentary rolls for England from Edward I to Henry VII. I only recently discovered this resource, searching for an English equivalent of the RPS. All the parliamentary documents for Edward III appear to be present (although some rolls are lost, as mentioned in the section for that roll).

 

Secondary Sources

• Cornell, David. ‘Sir John Stirling: Edward III’s Scottish Captain.’ Northern History 45, no. 1 (2008): 111-23.

This article covers the career and campaign of Sir John Stirling, a Scottish noble who fought in service of Edward Balliol and later Edward III. He is noticeable for conducting operations against Bruce Scots, specifically a crossing over the Forth to relieve the besieged Cupar Castle in 1336. Found this article reading the bibliography of MacInnes’s Scotland’s Second War of Independence. Stirling highlights how the Forth was utilised during the Second War of Independence.

• Harari, Yuval Noah. ‘Strategy and Supplies in Fourteenth-Century Western European Invasion Campaigns.’ The Journal of Military History 64, no. 2 (April 2000): 297-333.

Noah’s article explores the logistical structures and supply lines for Fourteenth century armies in Western Europe. Examining in detail the various methods of suppling invading forces via land, river, and sea-based routes and structures established. He mentions the technique and methods utilised by the English in their invasions and occupations of Scotland in the Fourteenth century.

• MacInnes, Iain. Scotland’s Second War of Independence, 1332-1357. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 2016.

The quintessential book for studying the Second Scottish War of Independence. MacInnes’s book analyses and evaluates the conflict and its participants (English, Bruce, and Balliol Scots). It details in depth the military actions and operations throughout the war, the structure and doctrine of the English and Scottish armies, and the major English and Scots characters and individuals. I had previously found this book in the library a few years ago out of curiosity and knew it would be useful for a dissertation.

• MacInnes, Iain. ‘“Shock and Awe”: The Use of Terror as a Psychological Weapon During the Bruce-Balliol Civil War, 1332-1338,’ in England and Scotland in the Fourteenth Century: New Perspectives¸ edited by Andy King and Michael Penman, 40-59. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 2007.

Another work by MacInnes, this article delves into the tactics and strategies employed by the Bruce and Balliol factions in the Second War of Independence. He highlights the brutal methods used by both sides upon local populations to ensure their loyalty and support. The guerrilla and asymmetrical tactics utilised heavily by the Bruce faction allowed them to continue contesting Balliol’s faction even after resounding defeats in pitch battles.

• Prince, A. E. ‘The Strength of the English Armies in the Reign of Edward III.’ The English Historical Review 46, no. 183 (July 1931): 353-71.

This is an article I discovered in the suggestions for further reading section of Roger The Wars of Edward III. Although an older source, it provides insight into the size and composition of the English armies and garrisons in Scotland during the Second War of Independence.

Hello all,

I am Ross and I’m originally from Fife. For a dissertation topic I’ve been really keen on doing something from the medieval period, probably around the time period of the High and Late Middle Ages. In particular, medieval Scotland either from the reign of Alexander II or the Second War of Independence as I feel these topics have been undeveloped and there is plenty of room for new research. However, I am certainly interest in other aspects or areas as well that have seen little attention. Hopefully the process is not too painful.

As I think was the same for many of us the pandemic and introduction of online learning was a shock to the system. It has been difficult at many points. Despite this slowly but surely, I have adapted to the new style and requirements for online learning, and I am optimistic that I, and everyone else, will meet this semester with confidence.