Battle Of Bannockburn — Attraction in Great Britain

The Battle of Bannockburn is one of the most significant events in Scottish history. It was fought on June 23-24, 1314, near Stirling, Scotland. The battle was fought between the forces of the Scottish monarchy led by King Robert Bruce and the forces of the English monarchy led by King Edward II. The battle marked a decisive victory for the Scots, and it played a crucial role in the eventual independence of Scotland.

The lead up to the Battle of Bannockburn was a complicated one. It began in 1296 when King Edward I, known as the "Hammer of the Scots," invaded Scotland, deposed its king, and claimed the throne of Scotland for himself. The Scottish nobility resisted the English occupation and began to mount a rebellion led by Robert Bruce, the grandson of one of the claimants to the Scottish throne. Bruce was an ambitious and skilled warrior, but he faced a daunting challenge in the English army. The English were the most powerful military force in Europe at the time, and they had a formidable army that included knights, infantry, and archers.

The Scottish rebellion suffered several defeats at the hands of the English, and Bruce was forced to flee Scotland to avoid capture. However, he returned to Scotland in 1307 and was crowned King of Scots in 1309. He immediately began to plan an attack on the English, and he commanded his army to prepare for war.

The English army consisted of around 20,000 men, including knights, infantry, and archers. The Scots had a much smaller army of around 7,000 men. However, the Scottish army was composed of experienced warriors who knew the terrain of Scotland and were highly motivated to defend their homeland.

The two armies clashed on June 23, 1314, near the Bannockburn stream in Stirling. The English army was led by King Edward II, who had arrived in Scotland to personally command the forces. The initial skirmishes were fought between the Scottish and English cavalry, with the Scots using their long spears to prevent the English from closing in. While these skirmishes were taking place, the Scottish infantry was preparing to launch a surprise attack on the English.

The Scottish infantry was led by Bruce himself, who had devised a brilliant strategy to defeat the English. He ordered his soldiers to dig trenches and pits on the battlefield, which would trip up the charging English cavalry. He also positioned his men in tight formations, which allowed them to fend off the English attacks without taking too many casualties. In contrast, the English were poorly organized and lacked coordination, which made their attacks ineffective.

The battle raged on for two days, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. However, the Scots were able to hold their ground, and their superior tactics and familiarity with the terrain allowed them to outmaneuver the English. On the second day of the battle, the Scots unleashed a devastating charge on the English lines, which broke their formations and caused a mass rout. The English suffered over 10,000 casualties, and the Scots emerged victorious.

The victory at the Battle of Bannockburn was a turning point in Scottish history. It marked the first time that the Scots had defeated the English in a pitched battle, and it proved that the Scottish army was a formidable force when led by a skilled commander. The victory also secured Bruce's claim to the Scottish throne and paved the way for the eventual independence of Scotland.

The Battle of Bannockburn also had significant cultural and political implications. It became a symbol of Scottish resistance against English domination, and it inspired generations of Scots to fight for their independence. The story of the battle has been immortalized in Scottish folklore and literature, with tales of heroic deeds and bravery recounted in ballads and poems.

The battle also had political implications, as it led to the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This document was a letter to the Pope, asserting Scotland's sovereignty and its right to independence. It was a significant moment in...

A beautiful and evocative site. Visiting the modern rotunda with its commemorative cairn and haunting Scottish music, and beyond it the horseback statue of Robert the Bruce in full battle dress is quite a moving experience. The paths leading up to the monument are wheelchair accessible and have info panels about the battle and events leading up to it and there's also a timeline and maps pinpointing the location of the Scottish camp and other points of interest. Wonderful views of Stirling Castle in the distance and the surrounding countryside. There's a modern visitor centre with a café, toilets and gift shop. Arrived too late for the hour-long guided tour and 3D film shows but you can visit the outdoor exhibits at any time free of charge. A must-see for anyone with an interest in...

So the mystery continues. Will the dispute over where the battle of bannockburn ever finish or will it forever last. Who knows? This is a beautiful place with a huge visitor centre that at the moment is permanently closed until further notice. Once it opens plenty toilets cafes etc. The ground is open along with the parking facilities which are free. The grounds command amazing views of surrounding countryside and mountains and of course the world famous stirling castle and Wallace's monument oh eye and a statue of robert the Bruce. It truly is a beautiful place that can be enjoyed by people who use wheel chairs to mobilise around. I have put up pictures of this place and a video of...