The Battle Of Bannockburn and the Scots

1314AD

Introduction: What was the Battle of Bannockburn?

Hello everybody! Meet the team: Eddie, Tom, Harry, Oscar, Elisia and Keira. Today we will be teaching you all about The Battle of Bannockburn (Wetherby history). The battle took place on the 23rd to 24th June 1314 AD, as Robert the Bruce's side took the victory. He defeated King Edward II, although it didn't bring an end to war, as victory was only secured 14 years later. The whole reason the fight started was because he demanded supporters of him follow him, which the Scots didn't like, so they declared war! Fun fact: the victory is the most celebrated in Scottish history!

Who was Robert the Bruce?

Robert the Bruce's original name was Robert VIII De Bruce. He was born on July 11th 1274 and died on June 7th 1329.

He was King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329 and freed Scotland from English rule by defeating Edward II in battle. He won the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 ultimately confirming Scottish Independence.

Bruce was a skilled tactician on the battlefield and knew that there was no way his Scottish army could defeat Edward's on the open field. Even after his personal victory over De Bohun on the 23rd of June and the triumph of the spearmen over Clifford Cavalry, he still wasn't convinced that they should risk another day of fighting.

Bruce's death was expected to happen by many people, he was ill for many years of his life and spent most the time in Cardross Hospital. In 1327 he was diagnosed with Leprosy, he died aged 54 and is remembered by everyone!

Who was involved?

Robert The Bruce - Robert was crowned in 1306, soon after killing his rival for the throne, John Comyn.
Edward II - coming to the throne in 1307, he continued his father’s war against Bruce but lacked his father’s political and military skills. He was well trained in all the skills of knightly warfare but his interests lay elsewhere; in spending time with his friends, boating and swimming.
The Isabella of France - at just twelve years old, Isabella, daughter of Phillip IV of France married Edward II in 1308. She was highly intelligent, with a keen understanding of politics .
Elizabeth de Burgh - at the age of 13, Elizabeth became Robert Bruce’s second wife in 1302. She was the daughter of the Earl of Ulster, a powerful Anglo-Irish nobleman – and an ally of Edward I.
Robert Clifford - a highly experienced knight from England’s borderlands. He was a veteran of the earlier battles in the wars of independence.
Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke - Aymer de Valence has been described as ‘a man of modest talents’. He was a loyal supporter of Edward, both on and off the battlefield.
Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester - he was related to both kings, as Edward’s nephew and Bruce’s brother-in-law.
Henry de Bohun - on 23 June, de Bohun rode at the front of Edward’s army as they approached the Scottish troops.

What kind of weapons were used?

The most used sword was The War Sword. It was 90-110 cm long and it weighed 1.3 kg to 1.7 kg which is quite light. It was light enough to be used in one hand! It was only used by highly trained knights. The longer blade allowed the sword to cut huge, lethal gashes through the enemy. When swung two-handed it could cut through textile armour and bones.

The fighting knives: they were 20-40 cm long and weighed 0.2 to 0.4 kg which would have been so easy to carry around! The blade could either be single or double edged, some may be made to match the owner's sword. The knife was carried around by men at all costs. It had powerful blows driving the point into the neck, face or even through the enemy's skull!

Robert's Army

Robert's army had many different kind of soldiers, even though he had less soldiers, they had the plans and the tactics to help them win the battle. Anyways, back to the soldiers, he had Spearmen. They had a long stick with a sharp spear on the top, sometimes they had a sword or a hand axe on them just in case. Secondly, he had other Infantry. They were foot soldiers with axes, swords, shields and small spears charging at the other army. Next, Camp Followers with pitch forks and other weapons, making the other army think more solders were coming. Finally, Pages and Squires, they were sergeants below the rank of knights, its boys and servants fighting for victory at a young age.

Edward's Army

Edward's army had more soldiers. They had Arches with a bow that is 2m long that can shoot up to 250m! However, they were not trained. Next, Camp Followers, these were used to keep the war going on, they were cooks, blacksmiths and more to keep the soldiers active. Finally, Pages and Squires, they were the sons of knights that learnt how to fight so they could go in the war against Robert's army.

How was Wetherby involved?

Wetherby was actually raided by the Scots. The Scottish burned down houses and killed them or took them away. This meant that the population decreased heavily.

How did Scot's Lane get its name?: 'Perhaps named after the 18th century Scottish drovers who used it as a watering place, or after Scottish raiders who destroyed Wetherby in 1318. This building once housed by Emily Wardman's Museum, the Wardman.'the blue plaque stated outside the house.

How was the battle won by the Scots and lost by the English?

The English had an advantage because they had horses but the horses were to close together so the kept on tripping over each other. They had a formation called the schiltrons, it was in the shape of a hedgehog.

Hope you enjoyed our presentation!!!

The Battle Of Bannockburn and the Scots

1314AD

Introduction: What was the Battle of Bannockburn?

Who was Robert the Bruce?

Robert the Bruce's original name was Robert VIII De Bruce. He was born on July 11th 1274 and died on June 7th 1329.

He was King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329 and freed Scotland from English rule by defeating Edward II in battle. He won the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 ultimately confirming Scottish Independence.

Bruce's death was expected to happen by many people, he was ill for many years of his life and spent most the time in Cardross Hospital. In 1327 he was diagnosed with Leprosy, he died aged 54 and is remembered by everyone!

Who was involved?

Robert The Bruce - Robert was crowned in 1306, soon after killing his rival for the throne, John Comyn.

Edward II - coming to the throne in 1307, he continued his father’s war against Bruce but lacked his father’s political and military skills. He was well trained in all the skills of knightly warfare but his interests lay elsewhere; in spending time with his friends, boating and swimming.

The Isabella of France - at just twelve years old, Isabella, daughter of Phillip IV of France married Edward II in 1308. She was highly intelligent, with a keen understanding of politics .

Elizabeth de Burgh - at the age of 13, Elizabeth became Robert Bruce’s second wife in 1302. She was the daughter of the Earl of Ulster, a powerful Anglo-Irish nobleman – and an ally of Edward I.

Robert Clifford - a highly experienced knight from England’s borderlands. He was a veteran of the earlier battles in the wars of independence.

Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke - Aymer de Valence has been described as ‘a man of modest talents’. He was a loyal supporter of Edward, both on and off the battlefield.

Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester - he was related to both kings, as Edward’s nephew and Bruce’s brother-in-law.

Henry de Bohun - on 23 June, de Bohun rode at the front of Edward’s army as they approached the Scottish troops.

What kind of weapons were used?

Robert's Army

Edward's Army

How was Wetherby involved?

Wetherby was actually raided by the Scots. The Scottish burned down houses and killed them or took them away. This meant that the population decreased heavily.

How did Scot's Lane get its name?: 'Perhaps named after the 18th century Scottish drovers who used it as a watering place, or after Scottish raiders who destroyed Wetherby in 1318. This building once housed by Emily Wardman's Museum, the Wardman.'the blue plaque stated outside the house.

How was the battle won by the Scots and lost by the English?

The English had an advantage because they had horses but the horses were to close together so the kept on tripping over each other. They had a formation called the schiltrons, it was in the shape of a hedgehog.

Hope you enjoyed our presentation!!!

Created by:

Tom

Eddie

Harry

Oscar

Elisia

Keira