This image of Edward I, King of England, appears on an Exchequer memoranda roll for the year 1297-8, at the height of William Wallace's rebellion against Edward's overlordship in Scotland. Edward is represented in full majesty, with the three lions of England and a royal sceptre. The bird on the sceptre may be a religious symbol representing God's preference for the right of the English king, but this is not certain. It is significant, however, that this imposing image appeared at a time when he was fighting the French in Flanders and his generals in Scotland had suffered a shocking defeat at Stirling Bridge in September 1297.
