Edward II of England barons banished Gaveston, to which Edward responded by revoking the reforms and recalling his favourite. Led by Edward's cousin, the Earl of Lancaster, a group of the barons seized and executed Gaveston in 1312, beginning several years of armed confrontation. English forces were pushed back in Scotland, where Edward was decisively defeated by Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Widespread famine followed, and criticism of the king's reign mounted. The Despenser family, in particular Hugh Despenser the Younger, became close friends and advisers to Edward, but Lancaster and many of the barons seized the Despensers' lands
Niall Bruce of Carrick Niall Bruce of Carrick Niall Bruce of Carrick (died 17 October 1346), was a 14th century English noble. Niall is said to be an illegitimate child of King Robert I of Scotland. He was killed during the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. Niall of Carrick is alleged to be the illegitimate child of King Robert I of Scotland and an unknown mistress. The Battle of Neville's Cross took place to the west of Durham, England, on 17 October 1346. The ensuing battle ended with the rout of the Scots, the capture of King David II of Scotland and the