The Battle of Bannockburn - Events of 24th June 1314

The Carse

dward II had moved his army overnight on to the Carse, an area of flat ground between the Bannock and Pelstream burns. The exact location of the battle itself is not known and there are several suggested sites. See the map below for a rough location. Parts of the Carse were marshy and unsuitable for horses but the majority of the land must have been dry enough for Edward to choose it for the battle site.

Robert Bruce makes the first move

The Scottish king was the first to attack. Three or four Scottish schiltrons (tightly packed rectangles of spearmen) advanced from the woods towards the English lines. The English appear to be slow to react but the first to respond was the Earl of Gloucester who rode out ahead of his cavalry to attack. He is supposed to have been in such a hurry he did not have time to put on his surcoat, a means of identification in battle. The Scottish formations were too strong and many knights including Gloucester were killed in the first engagement.

Main Battle

The rest of the English cavalry had now begun charging at the Scottish but the rows of pikes were deadly against the horses and the knights began to scatter. Loose horses charged into the English infantry causing chaos. The English archers were unable to join the battle as they were in danger of shooting their own men in the back. They were then dispersed by an attack by Scottish cavalry led by Robert Keith. The Scottish continued to advance and the English were trapped between the Bannock and Pelstream Burns. The English lines were in chaos and were being forced back into the marshy edges of the streams. When the members of the Scottish camp joined the battle the English were beaten. Many were drowned in the streams as they tried to escape.

Edward flees

Edward escaped the battle field and fled to Stirling Castle. But his entry to the castle was denied as the castle could not be held against the Scottish and he rode to Dunbar hotly pursued by the Earl of Douglas. Edward was not caught and took a boat from Dunbar to Berwick and safety. The remains of the English army were not so lucky. Those that managed to reach Stirling castle were allowed in but then arrested. Many high rank nobles were caught and ransomed to raise money.