Two Became One: How England and Scotland United.

1st May, two contrasting events in the British history; in 1328 England recongised Scottish Independence - 379 years later in 1707 the two countries would unite to create Great Britain.

In the century running up to 1328, England and Scotland had been embroiled in a bitter conflict. The English crown sought to assert its dominance over its northern neighbor, while Scotland, under the indomitable leadership of figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, fiercely resisted English encroachment.

However, by the early 14th century, both sides were weary of the relentless conflict. In 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath laid the groundwork for Scottish independence, asserting the nation's right to self-determination. Yet, achieving lasting peace would require diplomatic finesse and compromise. Enter the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton. Negotiated by envoys from both kingdoms, the treaty aimed to bring an end to hostilities and establish a lasting peace. Its terms were comprehensive, addressing issues ranging from territorial disputes to the recognition of Scottish sovereignty.

One of the treaty's most significant provisions was the recognition of Robert the Bruce as the rightful King of Scotland by the English crown. This acknowledgment, coupled with the renunciation of English claims to Scottish territory, represented a significant victory for Scottish independence.

Moreover, the treaty sought to cement peace through strategic alliances. It included provisions for the marriage of Edward III of England to Joan, the sister of David II of Scotland, further solidifying ties between the two realms.

The Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton was not without its controversies and challenges. Some Scottish nobles viewed the terms as too lenient towards England, while English factions criticized concessions made to the Scots. Yet, in the broader context of medieval geopolitics, the treaty represented a pragmatic compromise that laid the groundwork for centuries of relative peace between the two nations.

In 1603, the Union of Crowns occurred when James VI of Scotland ascended to the English throne as James I, following the death of Elizabeth I. This union created a personal union, with James ruling both kingdoms but maintaining separate parliaments and legal systems.

However, tensions simmered beneath the surface. Religious differences, particularly during the Reformation, exacerbated divisions. While England embraced Protestantism under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, Scotland adopted Calvinism, leading to conflicts like the Bishops' Wars in the mid-17th century.

The Civil Wars (1638-1651) further strained relations. Scotland initially supported the Parliamentarians against King Charles I, but later aligned with Charles II, leading to Cromwell's invasion and the imposition of English rule. This period saw the rise of anti-Scottish sentiment in England.

Despite these challenges, political and economic interests drove discussions of union. The Darien Scheme, a failed Scottish colonial venture in Panama in the late 17th century, highlighted Scotland's economic vulnerabilities and sparked discussions of a closer relationship with England.

In 1707, the Acts of Union were passed by both English and Scottish Parliaments, formally uniting the two kingdoms into the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Union promised economic benefits for Scotland, but also sparked opposition and resentment, particularly among those who saw it as a betrayal of Scottish independence.

The relationship between England and Scotland from 1328 to 1707 was marked by a complex interplay of politics, religion, and economics. Despite periods of conflict and distrust, it ultimately culminated in the formation of a new political entity, shaping the course of British history for centuries to come.