LEARNING INTENTIONS

• Describe key events at the Battle of Stirling Bridge

• Explain why the Scots won the battle

William Wallace and Andrew Murray had led rebellions across Scotland, taking back various castles from English control. But they were still to confront the English army in a major battle.

Stirling would be the place to change this.

By 11 September 1297 the English army had marched north to Stirling and was camped next to Stirling

Castle.

The Scottish army were also camped nearby, hidden

in the forests at Abbey Craig, near the River Forth.

There is a debate about the size of the English army but

10,000 or less is most likely.

The English army was smaller than at Dunbar and missing

many of its experienced military commanders. It was led by de Cressingham and

de Warrene.

The Scottish army was certainly smaller than the English army

but again there is a debate about its size: between 3000-

8000 is the best estimate.

The army, led by Wallace and Murray, included trained

soldiers, volunteers and farmers who paid rents.

The Scots army had various tactics when fighting, including

a small number of archers.

Most men fought with pikes(sharp implements attached to long poles) and were organised

into schiltrons (groups of men fighting in close

formations using their pikes).

The battle site would lie between Stirling Castle and

Abbey Craig.

The battle was fought on the north side of the River Forth

and the only way to cross was a small wooden bridge. de

Cressingham rejected the idea of crossing further up the river.

Two Scottish nobles on the English side left the night before to try to get more

soldiers or negotiate a peace.

The next day the English army started crossing the

bridge. However, de Warrene (the Earl of Surrey) was still in bed due to illness and called

them back.

When de Warrene was ready he ordered the army to again cross

the bridge, but called them back when the two Scottish

nobles returned.

In fact the two had failed to reach a peace agreement so the

army again had to cross the bridge.

Many English commanders were very worried. The Scots’

position allowed them to see the English so they knew their

likely tactics and formations.

Again the English raised the possibility of crossing elsewhere but de Cressingham refused, to

save time and money.

At 11am the English army again began crossing the river.

Wallace now organised the Scots army to attack.

Around one third of the English army was across when the Scottish army charged at

them. Almost all the English army that had crossed was

killed or drowned in the river.

The English on the south of the river could not cross to help

their comrades, and eventually retreated south with the Earl

of Surrey.

Hugh de Cressingham was captured by the Scots. Some accounts say he was flayed

alive, with his skin being used to make leather souvenirs.

English mistakes were an reason for Scottish victory:

• de Cressingham’s desire to save money, including sending some soldiers home

• Choice of battlefield restricted English tactics e.g. limited cavalry

• Poor organisation e.g.various bridge crossings

Scottish actions were important to victory too:

• Choice of battlefield helped Scots to limit English attacks

• Timing was important –attacking too early or late would have limited the Scots’ advantage

A few weeks after the battle, control of Stirling Castle was handed to the Scots.

Wallace and Murray were both appointed

Guardians of Scotland, although Murray died a

short time later from wounds sustained during

the battle.

As Guardian, Wallace took various actions to secure

Scotland’s future.

He led attacks on the north of England, including Carlisle and

Newcastle. He also wrote letters to foreign countries such as Germany encouraging them

to trade with the Scots.

Wallace became very powerful, even though he was not of

noble birth.

Some people believe the nobles supported him because he did

not want the throne for himself. Others think it was

because he could be blamed if the rebellion failed.