Following his father's abdication, Balliol was a prisoner in the Tower of London until 1299, when he was released into the custody of his grandfather John de Warenne, 6th Earl of Surrey.

[7] Edward Balliol was crowned at Scone on 24 September 1332, but three months later he was forced to flee back to England, following a surprise attack by nobles loyal to David II at the Battle of Annan.

On his retreat from Scotland, Balliol sought refuge with the Clifford family, land owners in Westmorland, and stayed in their castles at Appleby, Brougham, Brough, and Pendragon.

Balliol returned to Scotland with Edward and an English army in the summer, capturing Berwick and defeating the Scottish forces at the Battle of Halidon Hill.

On 30 November 1335, a pro-Balliol army under the command of Strathbogie was defeated at the Battle of Culblean, which was the effective end of Balliol's attempt to overthrow the King of Scots.

[11] On 20 January 1356, Balliol surrendered his claim to the Scottish throne to Edward III in exchange for an English pension of £2,000 per annum.