Battle of Falkirk
The Battle of Falkirk, fought on July 22, 1298, was a significant conflict during the Wars of Scottish Independence, marking a decisive moment in the struggle between Scotland and England. Following the Scottish victory at Stirling Bridge, King Edward I of England mobilized a large force, estimated to number between 25,000 and 30,000 troops, to counter the Scottish rebellion led by William Wallace. Despite facing logistical challenges, including food shortages and tensions among his troops, Edward's army encountered Wallace’s forces at Falkirk.
This battle showcased the tactical disadvantages faced by the Scots, who were organized in spear formations known as schiltroms but lacked the advantageous terrain and sufficient archers for defense. The English cavalry’s overwhelming force proved decisive, leading to a devastating defeat for the Scots. Although Wallace managed to escape, the battle reaffirmed Edward I's control over Scotland and highlighted the effectiveness of heavily armored knights in open combat against infantry. The aftermath of Falkirk would have lasting implications for the Scottish resistance and the ongoing conflict for independence.
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Subject Terms
Battle of Falkirk
Type of action: Ground battle in the Anglo-Scottish Wars of 1290–1388
Date: July 22, 1298
Location: Approximately twenty miles to the northwest of Edinburgh
Combatants: About 28,000 Scots vs. about 30,000 English
Principal commanders:Scottish, William Wallace (c. 1270–1305); English, King Edward I (1239–1307)
Result: The English defeated the Scots at Falkirk
Following William Wallace’s victory over the English at Stirling Bridge, King Edward I raised a large army—perhaps 25,000 to 30,000 in number, including 3,000 horsemen—and marched north to quell the rebellion. The campaign, however, was not without problems. A lack of food supplies and friction within the ranks between the English and their Welsh allies threatened the success of the expedition. As Edward prepared to withdraw to Edinburgh to await the arrival of supplies, he received word that Wallace’s army was encamped only a short distance away at Falkirk. On the morning of July 22, Edward found the Scots arrayed in four spear-rings, called schiltroms, this time without the advantage of terrain which they had enjoyed at Stirling Bridge and with only a minimal number of archers and horsemen protecting their flanks. The English horsemen overwhelmed the Scottish cavalry, dispatched the archers, and then pried open the schiltroms through the use of arrows, slings, and even stones. Wallace escaped, but his army suffered a terrible defeat.
Significance
Through his victory over Wallace at Falkirk, Edward I reasserted his authority over Scotland and demonstrated once again that, under normal battlefield conditions, an infantry force was no match for heavily armored knights.
Bibliography
Fisher, Andrew. William Wallace. Edinburgh: James Donald, 1996.
MacKay, James. William Wallace, Brave Heart. London: Mainstream, 1995.
Prestwich, Michael. Edward I. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1997.
Scott, Ronald McNair. Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. New York: Carroll & Graf, 1996.