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Robert Bruce had been elected guardian of Scotland in 1298,
replacing William Wallace as the leader of the long campaign against the
English attempt to conquer Scotland. After the devastating defeat of
Wallace at Falkirk (Falkirk, 1298) and then Bruce’s own defeat at
Methven (Perth & Kinross, 1306), much of Bruce’s campaign took the form
of guerrilla warfare, avoiding as far as possible major set piece
battles. In this way he completely changed the balance of power in
Scotland, through the progressive reduction of English garrisons.
By 1314 just two major strategic fortresses remained in English hands:
that on the border at Berwick and that controlling the crossing of the
Forth at Stirling. But the Stirling garrison finally agreed to surrender
if the English king did not arrive with a relieving force by 24th June
1314. In response Edward II mustered an army of about 12-13,000 at
Berwick, marching north in May and reaching Falkirk on the 22nd June.
Bruce deployed his forces in woodland south west of Stirling, through
which the major road approached the town. He carefully prepared his
chosen ground, beside the Bannock burn and, as the English advanced
againt him, over two days of fighting achieved a dramatic victory.
At Bannockburn, James Douglas, 'The Good', commanded the left wing with
Walter the Steward, and received the singular honour of being created a
Knight banneret by the king, Robert the Bruce, a distinction only ever
conferred on the battlefield. He was later to be given lands, and thus
began the ascendancy of the Douglases.
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2014 is the 700th anniversary of the Battle of
Bannockburn, and there will be an opportunity to visit the battlefield, which is in the care
of the National trust for Scotland.
We will visit Stirling Castle on the same day,
Sunday 6th June.
Entry to both will be by private arrangement.
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