The Battle of Stirling Bridge, fought on 11 September 1297, stands as one of the most significant early victories for the Scots during the First War of Scottish Independence. It saw the forces of William Wallace and Andrew Moray decisively defeat a much larger English army, exploiting geography, timing, and tactical discipline.
Historical Context
Following Edward I’s invasion of Scotland in 1296, much of the country was under English occupation. In 1297, widespread rebellion broke out. Wallace and Moray emerged as leading figures in a coordinated resistance in the south and north respectively. Their forces united near Stirling, one of the few remaining strategic crossings of the River Forth.
Battle Timeline
- Early September 1297: Wallace and Moray occupy high ground near Abbey Craig.
- 10 September: English forces under John de Warenne, Earl of Surrey, and treasurer Hugh de Cressingham arrive at Stirling.
- 11 September, morning: English vanguard begins to cross the narrow wooden bridge.
- Mid-morning: Scots allow part of the English force to cross before attacking in force, cutting off the crossing and slaughtering those stranded.
- Late morning: Cressingham is killed and flayed; Warenne retreats in disarray. English losses are heavy.
Forces and Command Structure
| Side | Commander(s) | Estimated Troops | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | William Wallace, Andrew Moray | ~5,000 | Spearmen, light infantry, some cavalry |
| England | John de Warenne, Hugh de Cressingham | ~8,000 to 10,000 | Heavy cavalry, infantry, Welsh longbowmen |
Scottish Forces
- Predominantly infantry armed with spears and axes.
- Very limited cavalry support.
- Strong understanding of terrain and guerrilla-style tactics.
English Forces
- Heavily reliant on armoured cavalry and disciplined archers.
- Hampered by poor coordination and the narrow bridge crossing.
- Commanders underestimated Scottish capabilities and terrain constraints.
Arms and Armour
Scottish Weaponry and Armour
- Primary weapons:
- Long spears (often 12 feet or more), ideal for anti-cavalry formations.
- Hand axes and short swords, often of seax or scramsax type for close quarters.
- Bows and slings used irregularly by levied troops.
- Armour:
- Light mail or quilted gambesons for most infantry.
- Wooden or hide-covered shields.
- Few knights in full mail harness due to limited cavalry numbers.
English Weaponry and Armour
- Primary weapons:
- Arming swords and lances used by mounted knights.
- Welsh longbows provided ranged support.
- Infantry carried polearms, crossbows, and swords.
- Armour:
- English knights wore full mail hauberks with coifs and chausses.
- Infantry varied from partial mail to padded armour.
- Steel helmets, usually of the nasal or kettle hat type.
Archaeological Insights
Although the exact location of the original Stirling Bridge no longer exists, its probable site has been surveyed. The narrow crossing point over the Forth was central to Scottish strategy. No major battlefield excavation has occurred, largely due to modern development, but artefacts from the era found nearby include:
- Iron spearheads
- Coins bearing Edward I’s likeness
- Remnants of mail links and stirrups believed to have belonged to English cavalry
These support contemporary accounts of the battle’s brutality and the heavy losses suffered by the English.
Contemporary Quotes
- “Not the strength of arms, but the judgment of the cause gave them the victory” – Walter of Guisborough, chronicler, reflecting on Scottish morale.
- “Cressingham’s skin was flayed from his corpse, for wallets” – Lanercost Chronicle, on the gruesome fate of the English treasurer.
- “A great slaughter was made of the English, and few escaped” – Scalacronica, detailing the effectiveness of the Scottish ambush.
Outcome and Legacy
The Scottish victory at Stirling Bridge electrified the resistance movement. Wallace and Moray’s win was a blow to English confidence and forced Edward I to take personal command in future campaigns. Wallace was soon appointed Guardian of Scotland, though Moray succumbed to wounds received in the battle.
The triumph highlighted the power of disciplined infantry against traditional feudal cavalry when terrain and planning favoured the defender. It remains a foundational moment in Scottish national identity.
Seven Swords takeaway
Stirling Bridge was not a battle of equals. It was a display of strategic ingenuity over brute strength. Wallace and Moray’s coordination and use of the terrain proved fatal to English assumptions. The clash reshaped the war’s trajectory and remains one of medieval Scotland’s defining moments of defiance.
Watch the documentary:
