|
Bannockburn
|
The Battle of Bannockburn was one of the greatest and most important pitched battles ever fought in the British Isles. It was a key event in both English ad Scottish history, had very real medium and long-term effects and was a turning point in the history of the British Isles. Bannockburn was the key battle in what are now known as the Scottish wars of Independence; battles fought by the Scots against successive acquisitive English Kings and between rival claimants from the kingship of Scotland.
Stirling Castle was central to the defence of the main route into northern Scotland and between 1296 and 1314 it changed hands five times. In 1314, Stirling Castle was held by a garrison of Edward II’s troops. Edward II marched rapidly northwards to relieve the besieged garrison and Robert the Bruce chose a site at the crossing of the crossing of the Bannock burn to stop the advance of Edward’s army. Debate continues over the exact location of the second day of the battle. The area of land owned by NTS around Borestone Brae is of exceptional significance because it is the spot where Bruce is though to have raised his standard on the first day of the Battle.
Bannockburn can rightly be claimed the most famous battle to be fought and won by the Scots in Scotland, but it is widely acknowledged as more than that. The name is now synonymous in the Scottish psyche with ideas of liberty, freedom, independence, patriotism, heroism, perseverance and triumph against overwhelming odds.
Bannockburn has long been at the core of the Scottish national identity and is reflected in the works of art and literature, such as Robert Burns’ Scots Wha Hae or the more recent Flower of Scotland by Roy Williamson of the Corries.
In 2004 , archaeologists discovered an armour-piercing arrowhead dating from the battle was discovered.
|
-
-
- Trust tracking down Stirlingshire bats
Experts and volunteers from conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland check on whether any bats have made their home at Bannockburn Visitor Centre, Stirling on Wednesday 18 June and Moirlanich Longhouse, near Killin on Thursday 19 June. more>
-
|