Battle of Bannockburn
Bannockburn, south of Stirling, Scotland
What happened
King Robert the Bruce of Scotland fought King Edward II of England, whose knight Sir Henry de Bohun faced Bruce in single combat on the first day. The English garrison of Stirling Castle had promised to surrender if no English army came to help by midsummer, so Edward II marched north with a large army. On the first day an English knight, Henry de Bohun, charged at Robert the Bruce, and Bruce killed him. On the second day Bruce's schiltrons of spearmen attacked, the English army was routed, and Edward fled.
Why it matters
Result: Scottish victory. Why it matters: It was a decisive Scottish victory in the First War of Scottish Independence. Robert's armies were then free to launch raids across northern England.
What came next
Scottish armies raided northern England. In 1328 the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton recognised Scotland's independence.
Did you know?
Robert the Bruce wished his heart to be taken on pilgrimage to Jerusalem; it was buried at Melrose Abbey.
Timeline
- 25 March 1306 CERobert the Bruce is crowned King of Scots.
- 23 June 1314 CEBruce defeats Henry de Bohun in single combat.
- 24 June 1314 CEThe Scots rout the English army at Bannockburn.
- 1328 CEThe Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton recognises Scottish independence.
- 7 June 1329 CERobert the Bruce dies.