In June 1314, Edward II, led his army of over
20,000 men into Scotland. His cavalry, his main strength, was supported by
archers and foot soldiers carrying spears. Against this massive force were
Bruce's ammy of 5,000, comprising mainly spearmen on foot but there was a
small force mounted on Garron ponies (small stocky Highland ponies famed for
their hardiness) and an even smaller body of archers. Hopelessly outnumbered,
there was not the slightest chance that such an army, however well trained or
or high morale, could hope to keep at bay (far less defeat) the full might of
England's best on an open battlefield.
It was late in the day when the English forces arrived so they made camp for
the evening on the marshy ground between the Forth and Bannockburn, little
realising that they had placed themselves precisely where Bruce wanted them
to be. From Edward's point of view the Scots had two choices; to take his army
into the west and give up the struggle or to act foolishly by facing the
20,000 strong English army on the plain where Bruce would be crushed. Edward II
was confident of victory, Bruce was satisfied his careful planning had led
the English army into a position where they were hemmed in.
It was typical of Bruce that on the eve of battle he should consider the
morale of his men and take them into his confidence. "We have them where
we want them. Do you wish to go on and try the issue with them? If we lose,
we lose everything including our lives. If we gain the day, I can promise you
not only glory but something infinitely greater, more important to each of
you - freedom. What is your wish? I will abide by your decision". The reply
was that they would "tak the ure" and would fight on the
morrow. They fought and won a victory that set in motion events that were
ultimately to shape forever Scotland's destiny.
When dawn broke on Midsummer Day 1314, the Scottish spearmen came out of the
woods and onto the plain. It was a bold tactic to use infantrymen and, armed
only with spears, advance on a mass of cavalry before it was ready or able
to charge. In so doing Bruce managed to throw Edward's army into
considerable confusion. They attempted to charge but could gain no momentum.
Riderless horses turned back and added to the growing confusion in the
English lines, whose rear was held by the waters of the Forth. There appeared
suddenly to be total mayhem within the English ranks with many trying to
escape by swimming the Forth, only to drown in the attempt. Others were cut
down as they attempted to flee south across the Bannockburn. So great was the
number of English corpses filling the Bannockburn that those still attempting
an escape found themselves using their fellow countrymen as a 'bridge'.
Edward II stood amidst the battlefield, seemingly unable to believe what had
happened; he had brought to Scotland the best and the most experienced of his
knights and fighting men, outnumbering the Scots by five to one yet all
around him lay the corpses of England's finest. He was the son of the
"hammer of the Scots" and although he did not lack courage,
he did not have his father's instinct for battle. His advisors pleaded with
him that he should now leave the field of battle as his life was now seriously
in peril but Edward refused. Eventually the reins of his horse were taken and
he was led from the battle in some haste and taken to Dunbar, from where
he sailed to Berwick and relative safety.
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Scottish Towns
Last updated February 2000
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