Medieval Information

The Battle of Bannockburn was a key battle in the history of Scotland. During Scottish independence, 1286 - 1370, many English castles were besieged and captured by the Scots. Stirling was among the few English castles remaining in Scotland by the year 1314.

Edward II, brother of the king of Scotland, besieged Stirling castle. Nevertheless, the castle had a very strong defense which, combined with the fact that Edward had no siege equipment; made both Philip, the castle's governor, and Edward arrange some terms. Firstly, Philip told him that if no relief arrived by midsummer's eve; then he'd surrender the castle.

Having sent a messenger to king Edward II of England, Philip waited for relief as his castle was more prone to starvation and defeat. King Edward II was happy to oblige because his father tried to have the Scots under his control. Edward II was able to gather an army of more than 40,000 units. It consisted of 2,500 knights, 750 bowmen and 500 heavy infantry; the rest was composed of well-trained light infantry.

The Scottish army consisted of no more than 13,000 soldiers. Edward II was convinced that with his superiority in numbers, he'd be able to overcome the Scots and rule Scotland once and for all. King Robert of Scotland was awaiting Edward II. He knew that Edward had to come through the old Roman road; for which he prepared his soldiers accordingly.

On June 23, the skirmish fights began. Nevertheless, the highlight was when an army composed of 500 English knights fought against Scottish pikemen. While more than 80 knights died, only 6 pike men died. This demoralized the English army and made the Scots pride of their own because it proved that foot soldiers could overcome heavy cavalry.

The struggle that happened in the first day is nothing compared to the one that took place in the second day; in which, king Robert of Scotland, took advantage of a narrow gap followed by a ford which was supposed to confuse the English soldiers. It happened as he planned it since, when the English decided to attack the Scots, the Scots ambushed the few soldiers that had passed the ford making them retreat. This sudden consternation made the British archers start firing at not only the Scots, but also the English fighters who did not retreat. This even caused more confusion since the British trying to retreat were impeding the advance of the soldiers trying to attack.

The Scots won a decisive victory on June 24. King Edward II retreated to Stirling castle; in which the town's governor, Philip, did not let him enter. Edward II headed south riding on his horse until after many days he reached another castle through which he embarked to England; alone and with shame.

The Battle of Bannockburn was the most decisive victory that the Scots have ever had against the British. It proved that king Edward II was not fully prepared to lead an army; and even though 40,000 British soldiers against 13,000 Scottish soldiers is an enormous difference; Robert managed to use the terrain for his disposal and make Scotland victorious.

If this battle had been a victory for the English, then probably Scotland wouldn't be an independent country today; hence its importance.