Battle of Falkirk
Falkirk, Scotland
What happened
King Edward I of England led his army against the Scots under William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland. After the Scottish victory at Stirling Bridge, Edward I marched north with a large army. The Scots stood in four schiltrons, tight blocks of men holding long spears, which the English horsemen could not break. Edward's archers, crossbowmen and slingers then shot at the schiltrons until they could be broken, and the English won.
Why it matters
Result: English victory. Leaders: Sir William Wallace / Sir John Stewart against King Edward I / Antony Bek. Why it matters: The defeat ended William Wallace's time as leader of Scotland. It showed how archers could break the Scottish spear formations.
What came next
Wallace resigned as Guardian, and Robert the Bruce and John Comyn took over. Wallace was captured near Glasgow in 1305 and handed over to the English.
Did you know?
Historians still argue about exactly where near Falkirk the battle was fought.
Timeline
- 1297 CEWallace becomes Guardian of Scotland after Stirling Bridge.
- 22 July 1298 CEEdward I defeats Wallace at Falkirk.
- 1298 CEWallace resigns as Guardian soon after the battle.
- August 1305 CEWallace is captured at Robroyston, near Glasgow.