The Battle of Bannockburn Begins: Scotland's Stand for Independence

On June 23, 1314, the fields south of Stirling Castle bore witness to the opening clash of the Battle of Bannockburn, a defining moment in the First War of Scottish Independence. Led by King Robert the Bruce, the Scottish forces confronted the might of King Edward II's English army, setting the stage for a confrontation that would shape the future of Scotland.

The Road to Bannockburn

The battle was precipitated by a siege: Stirling Castle, a key strategic stronghold, had been under Scottish siege for months. The English garrison had agreed to surrender unless relieved by June 24. In response, Edward II assembled a massive army-estimated at 20,000 to 25,000 men, including heavy cavalry and longbowmen-to break the siege and reassert English dominance.

Robert the Bruce, commanding a significantly smaller force of 5,000 to 8,000, chose to meet the English in open battle. His troops, organized into schiltrons-tight formations of spearmen-were positioned in the New Park, a wooded area that offered natural defensive advantages.

June 23: The Battle Commences

The first day of battle opened with a dramatic encounter: Robert the Bruce himself killed English knight Sir Henry de Bohun in single combat, striking him down with an axe. This act electrified the Scottish ranks and symbolized Bruce's personal commitment to the cause.

Throughout the day, English cavalry attempted to outflank the Scots and relieve the castle, but were repelled by the disciplined schiltrons and the difficult terrain. The fighting was fierce but inconclusive, with both sides preparing for a decisive confrontation the following day.

A Nation on the Brink

As night fell on June 23, the Scots held their ground, buoyed by Bruce's leadership and the knowledge that they were fighting not just for a castle, but for the sovereignty of their nation. The English, despite their numbers, faced a determined and well-positioned enemy.

June 24, 1314: Scotland Secures a Legendary Victory

As dawn broke over the fields south of Stirling, Robert the Bruce's Scottish army stood poised for a final confrontation. The English forces, led by King Edward II, had camped in disarray after a bruising first day. Their morale was low, their formations scattered, and their path forward uncertain.

The Scottish Advance

Rather than wait for another English assault, Bruce took the initiative. His schiltrons-tight formations of spearmen-advanced steadily across the field, surprising the English with their discipline and aggression. The terrain, narrowed by woods and marshes, worked in the Scots' favor, funneling the larger English army into a confined space where their cavalry and archers were less effective.

Collapse of the English Lines

The English front, already weakened, buckled under the pressure. The Earl of Gloucester was killed in the melee, and panic spread through the English ranks. As the Scots pressed forward, the English army began to rout, with many soldiers fleeing toward the River Forth or attempting to retreat across the Bannock Burn.

King Edward II himself narrowly escaped capture, fleeing the battlefield with a small escort. His army, once the most formidable in Europe, was shattered.

Aftermath and Significance

The Scottish victory at Bannockburn was total. It not only lifted the siege of Stirling Castle but also solidified Robert the Bruce's position as King of Scots. The battle became a symbol of national pride and resistance, and it marked a turning point in the First War of Scottish Independence.

Though the war would continue for several more years, Bannockburn ensured that Scotland would not be easily subdued. The victory ultimately led to the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton in 1328, in which England formally recognized Scotland's independence.