2. LEARNING INTENTIONS
• Describe key events at the Battle of Stirling Bridge
• Explain why the Scots won the battle

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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).

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.