Once fought, never forgotten: Scotland’s most famous battle
It is the most famous battle in Scottish history.
A comprehensive military defeat of an invading English army and a key event in the first Scottish War of Independence, the Battle Of Bannockburn is celebrated to this day in the song many consider to be the nation’s unofficial national anthem.
English King Edward II’S decision to invade Scotland in the summer of 1314 was prompted by two things: Scottish King Robert the Bruce’s demand that all supporters still loyal to his ousted predecessor John Balliol acknowledge him as their king or lose their lands, and the imminent surrender of the English garrison encircled in Stirling castle.
Edward mobilised a massive force: summoning 2,000 horse and 25,000 infantry from England, Ireland and Wales. Although probably only half the infantry turned up, it was by far the largest English army ever to invade Scotland.
The Scots numbered only around 6,000 men, including a small number on horseback. But after eight years of successful guerrilla warfare and raids on the north of England, the Scots had created an experienced, battle-hardened army.
As the English army advanced to relieve Stirling Castle, it found its path blocked by the Scots. Bruce had carefully chosen his ground, with his eastern flank protected by the Bannock and Pelstream burns, along with soft, boggy ground.
The battle began with a celebrated incident – the charge of an English knight, Sir Henry de Bohun, towards Bruce. Bruce accepted the challenge and, dodging de Bohun’s lance, killed him with a single blow of his battle axe. English cavalry
then attempted to outflank the Scots, but were stopped when Scottish foot soldiers rushed from woods to confront them with their spears. After this, the English withdrew for the day.
That night, Sir Alexander Seton, a Scottish noble serving in Edward’s army, defected to the Scottish side and informed Bruce of the English camp’s low morale, telling him they could win. Bruce decided to launch a full-scale attack on the English forces the next day.
The following morning, his army – led by an Abbot – walked out to meet the English. Edward was surprised to see the Scottish pikemen emerge from the cover of the woods and advance towards his position. Seeing the Scots kneel to pray, Edward reportedly said in surprise, “They pray for mercy!” only to be told by one of his noblemen that although they were praying, it was not for Edward’s mercy.
The English were gradually pushed back and ground down by the Scots.
English longbowmen attempted to support the advance of the knights but some of their arrows fell on their own side, and an attempt by the English to flank the Scots was broken up by cavalry.
Edwards’s knights realised the battle was lost – and that their king needed to leave the field immediately. Seizing the reins of the king’s horse, they dragged him away, closely followed by around 500 knights of the royal bodyguard. Once they were clear of the battle, one of the knights, Giles d’argentan, turned to the king, and said: “Sire, your protection was committed to me, but since you are safely on your way, I will bid you farewell for never yet have I fled from a battle, nor will I now.”
He turned and charged back into the Scottish ranks, where he was overwhelmed and killed.