|
Bannockburn
|
The Battle of Bannockburn was one of the greatest and most important pitched battles ever fought in the British Isles. As a turning point in the history of both Scotland and England, it had very significant medium- and long-term effects.
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 for 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 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 the Trust around Borestone Brae is of exceptional significance because it is the spot where Bruce is thought to have raised his standard on the first day of the battle.
Bannockburn is arguably the most famous battle to be fought and won by the Scots in Scotland, but it is widely acknowledged to be more than that— its name resonates in the Scottish psyche with ideas of 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 many works of art and literature, such as Robert Burns’s ‘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. This caused great excitement as it is the only weapon to have been recovered from the battlefield.
|
-
- Properties prepare for opening
A handful of the National Trust for Scotland’s historic properties are readying for visitors once more, as they prepare to open their doors on Monday 1 March. more>
|