How did Edward III support Edward Balliol’s claim to the Scottish throne?

Edward III supported Edward Balliol’s claim to the Scottish throne as a means to challenge the independence of Scotland established by the Treaty of Northampton. His support manifested in several ways:4

• Covert Encouragement: Edward III secretly encouraged Balliol and a group of disinherited English nobles—whose lands had been seized by Robert I the Bruce—to invade Scotland in 1332.12
• Military Intervention: Following Balliol’s initial success and subsequent expulsion, Edward III intervened directly. He led the English forces to a decisive victory at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, which restored Balliol to the throne.13
• Political Subordination: In exchange for this support, Balliol acknowledged Edward III as his feudal suzerain over Scotland and ceded significant portions of the Scottish lowlands to the English crown.1

Despite this backing, Balliol’s position remained precarious due to widespread Scottish opposition and the support David II received from the French king, Philip VI, which eventually contributed to the outbreak of the Hundred Years’ War.34