Post by eBob on Nov 20, 2006 13:10:13 GMT -5
September 11, 1297, saw a decisive victory for Wallace and the Scots at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Although vastly outnumbered, the Scottish forces led by Andrew de Moray (a more prominent noble, being a first son) and with Wallace as their captain, routed the English army. The Earl of Surrey's professional army of 300 cavalry and 10,000 infantry met disaster as they crossed over to the north side of the river. The narrowness of the bridge prevented many soldiers from crossing together (possibly as few as three men abreast), so while the English soldiers crossed, the Scots held back until half of them had passed and then killed the English as quickly as they could cross. English soldiers started to retreat as others pushed forward, and under the overwhelming weight, the bridge collapsed and many English soldiers drowned. Unbeknownst to the now chaotic English army, part of the Scots army had forded further up the river. With the English army split on either side of the river, the two Scots forces pressed both halves of the English army towards the river. The Scots won an overwhelming victory and hugely boosted the confidence of their army. Hugh Cressingham, Edward's treasurer in Scotland, died in the fighting.
Following the victories, Wallace became a knight and gained appointment as Guardian of Scotland in March 1298. But de Moray had died of his wounds three months after the Battle of Stirling. Their partnership had proved successful, but Wallace was now on his own, with bigger battles still to face.
www.magicdragon.com/Wallace/Stirling.html
Following the victories, Wallace became a knight and gained appointment as Guardian of Scotland in March 1298. But de Moray had died of his wounds three months after the Battle of Stirling. Their partnership had proved successful, but Wallace was now on his own, with bigger battles still to face.
www.magicdragon.com/Wallace/Stirling.html