Evaluate the usefulness of Source C as evidence of the subjugation of the Scots by Edward I in 1296. (6 marks).

Source C is an extract from the Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough. This makes the source useful, as chronicles were generally factually based accounts of historical events in chronological order, which could make information about the subjugation of the Scots in 1296 factually reliable. Source C was written by Walter of Guisborough. This makes the source less useful because he was English, and his bias may distort Edward I's methods when he subjugated the Scots as having been less brutal than they actually were. Source C was also written in 1296. This makes the source less useful, as being a contemporary source it was therefore written without hindsight and could be based more on rumours circulating about the subjugation of the Scots rather than factual evidence. The source mentions that Berwick initially held out Edward when he invaded Scotland, despite that he offered a peace. This makes the source useful, as it reveals he was only ever going to use forceful methods to subjugate the Scots in 1296 if they refused to capitulate to him. The source also makes clear that over 8,000 Berwick townsfolk were massacred. This makes the source useful, as it reveals that Edward's subjugation of the Scots in 1296 began with a brutal, horrifying Scottish defeat at Berwick. However, the source omits that Edward took the stone of destiny back to England, as well as many other ancient Scottish relics. This makes the source less useful, as it does not reveal the different sorts of means Edward used to subjugate the Scots, such as removing symbols of their independence. The source also fails to mention that every stronghold Edward marched upon, such as Linlithgow, following the defeat at Dunbar immediately capitulated. This makes the source less useful, as it therefore does not reveal the extent to which Edward's subjugation of the Scots was successful, owing to the fact Scottish morale was crushed after English triumphs at Berwick and Dunbar.