Battle of Bannockburn: About the Battlefield Brutal history amidst beautiful countryside The Landscape Located near the historic city of Stirling, the battleground still evokes the landscape that would have been seen by medieval soldiers in 1314 when the area was a royal hunting park. The Battlefield monuments Restoration of Bruce Monument and the Flagpole Restored to the original bronze finish People have visited this iconic site for centuries. The monuments here commemorate the thousands of men who fought and died during the battle. These commerative monuments have been restored; ensuring that they are maintained for future generations to enjoy. Significant work to conserve and restore the monuments was carried out in time for the battle's 700th anniversary; including the iconic equestrian statue of Robert the Bruce by Pilkington which will be returned to its original, striking bronze finish. The topmast of the 1870s flagpole has also been replaced complete with battleaxe weathervane. The new Rotunda Beam and Inscription Bannockburn rotunda Monument We commissioned a new poem by the acclaimed Scottish writer, Kathleen Jamie, to be inscribed on the replacement ring beam of the 1960s Rotunda monument.

The designers of the original Rotunda planned for it to bear an inscription, and half a century later we are fulfilling this intention. Jamie’s poem concludes with the following lines, which express the ‘universal truth’ of this deeply significant Scottish landscape: Come all ye’, the country says/ You win me, who take me most to heart’. Buy Tickets Prepare for battle! Experience the Battle of Bannockburn in thrilling 3D and take your place in the Battle Room. Entry is by pre-booked time slots. Buy Tickets School Visits School visits are SOLD OUT for 2016/17 academic year.Please email learningatbannockburn@nts.org.uk with your booking requirements if you wish to be added to the waiting list. The Battle of Bannockburn | VisitScotland The Battle of Bannockburn Stirling Stirlingshire The Battle of Bannockburn centre is situated at one of the most important historic sites in Scotland. The new Battle of Bannockburn experience puts you right at the heart of the action. Using cutting edge 3D technology you can learn about this crucial event in Scottish history and experience medieval combat like never before.

You'll even be able to take command of the knights and soldiers who fought in 1314, pitting your wits against fellow visitors on the virtual battlefield. The experience is as authentic as it is breathtaking. The landscaping and parkland around the centre allow visitors to appreciate the battleground and restored commemorative monuments, including an iconic statue of Robert the Bruce cast in shimmering bronze. It's a place for quiet contemplation or to catch your breath from the excitement inside. So take your place among fearless medieval warriors and discover how the tactics of two opposing kings - Robert the Bruce and Edward II - changed the path of Scotland's history, forever. Entry is by timed ticket. Secure your tickets now by enlisting at Glasgow Road Whins Of Milton, Stirling, 3 Jan 2017 - 31 Dec 2017 Gallery Skip to content Cookie Policy VisitScotland uses cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By using our website you consent to our use of cookies. Please read our new privacy and cookies statement for more information. I agree © 2017 VisitScotland. All rights reserved.

You will now be directed to our partner's site to complete your booking Terms and conditions This booking system and any information appearing on this page relating to the availability of any accommodation is provided by third parties and not by VisitScotland. It is intended to provide real time availability information relating to accommodation which is also provided by third parties. You may use this booking system to place direct bookings with third party accommodation providers. Any booking you make will not be placed with VisitScotland and we will have no liability to you in respect of any booking. If you proceed to make a booking you will leave our Website and visit a website owned and operated by a third party. VisitScotland does not have any control over the content or availability of any external website. This booking system and any information appearing on this page is provided for your information and convenience only and is not intended to be an endorsement by VisitScotland of the content of such linked websites, the quality of any accommodation listed, or of the services of any third party. Battle of Bannockburn: What was it all about? - BBC News BBC News Battle of Bannockburn: What was it all about? By Andrew Black Political reporter, BBC Scotland 24 June 2014 Read more about sharing.

Close share panel The Battle of Bannockburn, fought on 24 June 1314, was one of the most famous events in the wars of independence. BBC iWonder Find out why Stirling Castle is the bloody heart of Scotland. It saw the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, win a key victory over the English forces of King Edward II, despite being outnumbered two-to-one and facing what was regarded as the finest army in the medieval world. On the 700th anniversary of the battle, here's some things you might not know about the historic event. Where was it? Image copyright PA It was one of the most famous battles ever fought, yet nobody's sure exactly where it happened. The backdrop was Stirling Castle, the last English stronghold in Scotland, which was targeted by Robert the Bruce while on the comeback trail during the wars of independence. The constable of Stirling agreed to hand over the castle to the Scots unless an English force arrived to relieve him by the 24 June, 1314. They duly pitched up the day before. Robert the Bruce was thought to have made his stand on what's now known as "monument hill", where his statue sits.

It was the perfect location, on high ground with a good field of vision, but getting up the hill to fight would have been a massive challenge for the English forces. It seems more likely the main battle was fought on a nearby area of flat, low ground known as the Carse, where the English had camped overnight. Medieval minefields The main threat to Robert the Bruce's forces was the fearsome English cavalry - 2,000 heavily armoured men on horseback which could easily crush infantry. Thinking outside the box, Bruce ordered hundreds of holes, measuring just a few feet, to be dug at a crucial point where the English army was advancing. The small pits, capable of snapping horse's legs, meant the cavalry had to stick to a narrow Roman road and, unable to fan out, were left defensively vulnerable. Killer hedgehogs Robert the Bruce's other great anti-cavalry weapon was the "schiltron" - a body of troops wielding long pikes. Looking like massive, deadly hedgehogs when fully formed, the tightly packed group would deploy their pikes on three levels, creating a wall of death which was virtually impregnable to a heavy horse charge.

This sort of tactic was vital, since many Scots couldn't even afford swords let alone war horses, and often had to make do with axes and other working tools. First blood Image copyright PA The day before the main battle saw an event which set the tone for what was to come. Sir Henry De Bohun, a young English knight looking to make a name for himself, arrived with a vanguard and spotted Robert the Bruce addressing some of his men. The story went that Sir Henry, seeing an opportunity to take down the king of Scots, got tooled up and charged. Bruce, armed with only an axe, reciprocated - taking out Sir Henry with such force that his head split in two, from the skull to the chest bone and breaking his weapon in the process. Another much less heroic account, said to be from an English eyewitness, stated that Robert the Bruce clocked Sir Henry and cut him down as he was trying to get away. Whatever the truth, English cavalry then charged the Scots, only to taste the sharp end of the schiltron. It was a morale dampener. For Love As King Edward arrived on the battlefield, did he also see the defeat of Robert the Bruce as an opportunity to settle a personal score?

Back when his father, Edward I, was on the throne, he hired an English nobleman called Piers Gaveston to work in his son's household. Chroniclers at the time suggested Gaveston and the then Prince Edward became lovers, and the noble was sent into exile. On his elevation to the throne Edward II recalled Gaveston, bestowing on him an earldom and other gifts. But the other English nobles - enraged at the privileged access he had to the king - banded together to see Gaveston banished once again. According to the contemporary book Vita Edwardi Secundi (The Life of Edward II) the king, sometime before Bannockburn, promised full recognition for Robert the Bruce as king of Scots, in return for giving Gaveston refuge in Scotland. Bruce refused, and Gaveston was eventually executed in England as an enemy of the state. Put simply, King Edward may have seen victory at Bannockburn as an opportunity to avenge Gaveston's death on Robert the Bruce, and force the English nobles to bow to his will.

Praying for victory The main battle commenced not long after first light, on 24 June, 1314. The Scots forces emerged from Balquhidderock Wood, before getting down on their knees to pray. The tactic was more than spiritual - it allowed the captains an extra crucial few minutes to form up the battle lines. Nevertheless, across the Carse, King Edward, with his 16,000-strong army, thought the Scots were surrendering. He got a shock when prayers finished and the Scots got ready to attack. Pride before a fall Image copyright PA Image copyright PA As battle drew near, a row broke out between King Edward and the Earl of Gloucester, one of England's most powerful men, who complained the English forces needed rest after spending a sleepless night in marshland getting eaten alive by dreaded Scottish midges. When the King accused the 23-year-old earl of cowardice in front of the men, Gloucester - pride fully dented - jumped on his horse and charged towards the Scots. He was promptly met by - yes, you guessed it - the business end of the schiltron, and carved up in full view of both sides. Another morale dampener.

Watery grave The Bannockburn - the long, snaking waterway after which the battle was named - proved to be Kind Edward's nemesis. As battle commenced, the Scots troops moved across the battlefield, to close the gap. Penned in between the burn - in reality a large river in some places - and the Scots pikes, the English forces had no choice but to cross back over the waterway, which was almost impossible because of the heavy armour they wore. As the Scots pushed forward, the English became penned between the water and the enemy pikes, and panic gripped the ranks. Even the archers, the other feared super-weapon of the English army, ultimately proved useless because the crush left them with no space to shoot arrows. The getaway Image copyright PA Sensing defeat, King Edward's minders dragged him off the field and fled towards Stirling Castle. But he wasn't well received by the remainder of the English garrison, who told him it was best if he didn't come in. Shunned by his own men, the king ended up in the East Lothian coastal town of Dunbar, where he got a lift back to England on a ship. What changed?

Image copyright Getty Images It's arguable whether the Battle of Bannockburn settled all that much. Despite the outcome, Robert the Bruce had to wait another 14 years for the king's son, Edward III, to recognise him as the rightful king of an independent Scotland. Bruce died just one year later, in 1329, while the wars of independence rumbled on. However, if nothing else, Bannockburn did establish Robert the Bruce as someone who was not to be messed with. The Quest for Bannockburn , presented by Neil Oliver and Tony Pollard, is being shown on BBC Two at 20:00 on Sunday, 29 June. bannockburn heritage centre Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre Bloody. Brutal. Bannockburn. Take your place on the battlefield. Stand face-to-face with fearless medieval warriors. Witness two opposing kings ï¿½ Robert the Bruce and Edward II ï¿½ whose tactics in 1314 changed the path of Scotlandï¿½s history, forever. The Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre is now open. A world-class visitor attraction marking the 700th anniversary of the battle.

The Battle of Bannockburn An incredible new experience that changes how you learn about Scottish history In June 1314 the history of Scotland as a nation was about to change forever. It was at the Battle of Bannockburn that Robert Bruce, King of Scots, would face down the English army led by Edward II. Edward, keen to retain the stronghold of Stirling Castle, had led a huge army through Scotland to lift the Scotsï¿½ siege of his garrison at the Castle. Achieving this was vital to Edwardï¿½s hopes of re-establishing his weakening grip on the country, but he was stopped short by the army of Robert Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn. Over the two days of battle, 23-24 June, Edwardï¿½s army was repeatedly thwarted by the Scots stubborn resistance before finally finding themselves trapped by the surrounding terrain with no room to manoeuvre their huge force. The result was an unprecedented rout of King Edwardï¿½s army. Located near the historic city of Stirling, the battleground still evokes the landscape that would have been seen by medieval soldiers in 1314 when the area was a royal hunting park.

Prepare for battle at the new Visitor Centre The Experience The new Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre harnesses 3D technology to bring Scottish history to life. Stand shoulder-to-shoulder with medieval warriors and armoured knights while learning about the tactics of two opposing kings in a truly immersive experience. Witness the sights and sounds of medieval battle first-hand including ancient battle strategies, weapons and armour. Each visit takes you through thrilling 3D interpretation of characters and events as you Prepare for Battle and culminates in a visit to the Battle Room. To fully enjoy the experience, we strongly recommend you take part in an interactive BATTLE GAME led by the BattleMaster, which includes a demonstration of how Scotland triumphed in 1314. Alternatively, you can just hear how events panned out in 1314 with a short Battle Show, narrated by academics Dr Fiona Watson and Dr Tony Pollard. Battle Game Create your own Battle of Bannockburn!

Take part in a strategic Battle Game led by the BattleMaster and determine the outcome of the Battle of Bannockburn Game is followed by a demonstration of how the battle was won in 1314 Recommended total visit time 90 mins, game length 40 mins Either participate in a game or watch friends and family play from the gallery Pre-booking essential Battle Show Hear how the Battle of Bannockburn was won An automated replay of the Battle of Bannockburn on the Battle Room map Historical commentary from leading academics - Dr Fiona Watson and Dr Tony Pollard Recommended total visit time 60 mins, Battle Show Experience 10 mins Pre-booking essential Learn about Bannockburn In 1314 history was made and the fate of the Scottish nation changed forever The site under ownership of NTS is the spot where Robert Bruce planted his standard and gathered his men to take on the might of the English army led by King Edward II. The Bannockburn visitor centre is the only place to learn about this historic battle. Commemorating Robert the Bruce's victory at The Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

This brought the independence William Wallace had fought for and led to Bruce becoming the undisputed King of Scotland. Although King Edward II's Army heavily out-numbered Robert Bruces Army, they still suffered their greatest defeat since the Battle of Hastings. The encounter which lasted two days, involved over 30,000 men. No visit to Bannockburn would be complete without taking the short walk from the Visitor Centre to the historic landscape and battlefield. Visitors can see the saltire flying proudly in the centre of the Rotunda, with its outlook to Stirling Castle, and the iconic Bruce Monument. The landscape has been restored and reinterpreted to commemorate the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. Access to the landscape and monuments is free to all visitors. There is a bronze statue of Bruce on his war-horse by the commemorative Rotunda outside. This stands in the area where he killed the English knight Sir Henry de Bohun in combat, cleaving his skull in two with his axe.

Ticket prices Centre is closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Yearï¿½s Day and 2 January Pre-booking is essential for Battle Room Experiences Email bannockburn2014@nts.org.uk Bannockburn Heritage Centre, Glasgow Road, Stirling FK7 Visitor Centre Facilities The new Visitor Centre contains a cafe and shop which is free to access. Parking Parking facilities will be available at the new visitor experience with space for 84 cars on a first come first served basis including 6 disabled parking bays, and 4 coach spaces. Accessibility Wheelchair users will find 6 designated parking spaces at the new Battle of Bannockburn experience in 2014. Currently, due to ongoing work, these will be limited and offered on a first come first served basis. The park surrounding the centre welcomes visitors with dogs.

Bannockburn Heritage Centre Glasgow Road, Stirling FK7 OLJ Off M80/M9 at junction 9 2 miles South of Stirling town centre on Glasgow Road (A872) Tel: 01786 812664 Bannockburn Live Bannockburn Battlefield by Battle of Bannockburn Heritage Centre Looking for a great day out? Bannockburn Live is a fantastic two day event happening on 28-29 June, commemorating the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn. The event has something for everyone and is a celebration of Scottish music, food and history. Be transported back in time and visit 1314, experience the sights and sounds of 14th century Scotland in the medieval encampments from the forgesï¿½ sharpening weapons to the kitchens getting food ready for the troops. See one of the spectacular battle performances professionally choreographed by Clanranald known for their work on blockbuster films like Gladiator, Thor II and Robin Hood.

Fast forward to 2014 and hear some of the best Scottish music including Dougie MacLean, Julie Fowlis, King Creosote to name but a few. In Storyville see Scotlandï¿½s history brought to life through music, discussion and debates celebrating Scottish history and culture. The line-up includes music from Karine Polwart, Bella Hardy and talks from authors Alistair Moffat and James Robertson. Plus there are lots of activities for children from hand-on crafts to trying out medieval sports. Looking to trace your Scottish roots? Meet members from around 40 clans and families and learn more about their connections to Scotland. And when youï¿½re feeling hungry, tantalise your taste-buds with the textures and flavours of Scotlandï¿½s fantastic produce in the Land of Food and Drink. So make sure youï¿½ve got your tickets.

Find out more and book online today at Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June 10:00am - 7:00pm Kingï¿½s Tickets ï¿½75 [SOLD OUT] Family Ticket ï¿½55 [STILL AVAILABLE] Adult (14+) ï¿½20 [STILL AVAILABLE] Child (5-13) ï¿½12.50 [STILL AVAILABLE] Children under 5 go free All ticket prices shown are excluding booking fee and postage Book online today at Location: The Battle of Bannockburn Centre, Glasgow Road, Whins of Milton, Stirling FK7 0LJ history of stirling | stirling castle | Braveheart | William Wallace | old town jail | bannockburn heritage centre | Sir Walter Scott Historian, Neil Oliver, explains why you should visit Scotland, and focuses on Stirling (2012). Video produced for Visit Scotland.

Former Provost, Fergus Wood, talking about Stirling A walk through the Old Town, Stirling The history of Stirling is rich with legends and events from the figure of William Wallace who fought and won the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 against an occupying English army, to the Battle of Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce's defeat of another English army in June 1314 secured Scottish independence. Stirling heritage dates back 800 years to the 12th century, when the town first received the burgh title. It was granted a Royal Charter, becoming one of the most important towns of medieval Scotland. Stirling's importance developed from the fact that it controlled the lowest crossing point of the River Forth. The land to the west of the river was bog and marshland making it impassable for armies to cross. The land was eventually drained in later centuries. The town was occupated in 1745 by Bonnie Prince Charlie's army. John Knox regularly preached in the Church of the Holy Rude next to Stirling Castle. The area of the burgh covers most of the region spreading outwards to include villages such as St.

Ninians, Causewayhead, Bridge of Allan and Torbrex, which were once very separate communities, making them part of the bigger picture of Stirling as the ancient Royal Capital. For more on Stirling's Town history visit the Old Town section. Or check out some of the links on the right. Many of Stirling's independent retailers are located in the Stirling Arcade, accessible by shoppers via King Street. Statue of Rob Roy McGregor in Stirling city centre. Links to other historical landmarks on Stirling.co.uk include (old version of the site for now) Scottish Leader Pins Hopes for Independence Vote on a 700-Year-Old Fervor - The New York Times The New York Times Europe |Pinning Scottish Independence on a Fervor for 1314 Search Continue reading the main story Photo The Robert the Bruce memorial at the site of the Battle of Bannockburn.

Credit Andrew Testa for The New York Times STIRLING, Scotland — On a fine day, the granite memorial atop a grassy rise outside this ancient Scottish city offers a grand panorama — west to the craggy fastness of Stirling Castle, north to the hills that stand gateway to the highlands, east toward Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, and south across rolling lowlands that stretch onward to England. It was here, in June 1314, that a vastly outnumbered army led by Robert the Bruce , the Scottish king, annihilated the English army of King Edward II, assuring Scotland’s independence. It was a sovereignty that lasted, through a bloody history, until the two countries were joined in a single kingdom, Great Britain , nearly 400 years later.

Ever since then, the Battle of Bannockburn , named for a medieval settlement swallowed up by modern Stirling’s sprawl, has been an emblem of something evident in the popular ferment when Scotland and England meet in their annual rugby matches — or in any other contest that tests the strengths and talents of the two peoples: that Scotland will never forget, and only reluctantly forgive, what was won at Bannockburn, then surrendered in the Acts of Union of 1707. Small wonder, then, that Alex Salmond, Scotland’s first minister, has anchored his hopes of winning the backing of a majority of Scotland’s five million people for an end to the union with England — for independence — on a surge in the nationalist feelings stirred by memories of Bannockburn. Setting out his plans this year for a referendum, he laid down a schedule that would see the referendum held in the autumn of 2014, when the 700th anniversary of the battle will be commemorated with festivities that will be centered here, but replicated in every corner of Scotland. Advertisement Continue reading the main story The referendum date is only one of the issues that have pitted Mr.

Salmond, Scotland’s most popular politician for a generation, against the British prime minister, David Cameron . Mr. Cameron has accepted a referendum, which can lawfully be held only with the consent of the government in London. Indeed, he has welcomed it, in the belief, he has said, that the independence bid will founder on the reluctance that Scots have traditionally shown for an outright rupture of the constitutional bond. Continue reading the main story Only rarely in modern times has support for Scotland breaking away risen above 30 percent in Scottish opinion polls, though some polls have shown the figure moving into the mid-to-high 30s since Mr. Salmond and his Scottish National Party outperformed pre-election opinion polls by a wide margin in winning an outright majority in the Scottish Parliament last year. Photo Alex Salmond, left, and David Cameron at a meeting in February that produced a deadlock. Credit Pool photo by David Cheskin That was a milestone few would have believed possible in the decades when the nationalist party languished on the fringes of Scottish politics, before the charismatic Mr.

Salmond, a former oil economist, took over and eclipsed a succession of lackluster opponents in the “pro union” parties — Labour, Liberal Democrats and Conservatives — that had hitherto dominated in Scottish politics. The 2011 victory emboldened Mr. Salmond to make his move for independence within his current five-year mandate, but only toward the end of his term, in 2014, when he hopes for a “Bannockburn” bounce — and, perhaps, for a recovery from the prolonged recession in Scotland, deeper than England’s — that could win over voters who might otherwise be reluctant to hazard further economic hardship. Mr. Cameron, whose own forebears on his father’s side are Scottish, has a tricky course to steer in meeting Mr. Salmond’s challenge, acknowledging that there is a strong wellspring of nationalism in Scotland, and that the effort to head off independence has to stress the advantages of Scotland’s remaining part of the United Kingdom, not the risks to Scotland of a breakaway, while embracing the power of nationalist sentiment. “We walk taller, stand prouder, shout louder together,” he said in a recent speech to Scottish Conservatives.

“That’s why not only can you love Scotland and love the United Kingdom, not only can you drape yourself in the Saltire and the Union Jack, but you can be prouder of your Scottish heritage than your British heritage — as many in Scotland are — and still believe that Scotland is better off in Britain .” But on the mechanics of the referendum, Mr. Cameron has met Mr. Salmond head-on, telling aides that “losing Scotland” in the referendum would most likely doom his Conservative Party in the British election expected in 2015. He has rejected Mr. Salmond’s demand that 16- and 17-year-olds — a group regarded as likely to vote overwhelmingly for independence — be included in the referendum vote, a break with British laws that set the minimum voting age at 18. He has also quarreled with Mr. Salmond’s formula for the question to be put to Scottish voters, an issue on which Britain’s election commission will have the final say. Mr. Cameron has said the referendum should be a straight “in or out” vote, on whether Scottish voters want to remain part of the United Kingdom. Mr.

Salmond has said he favors a question more likely to maximize the pro-independence vote: “Do you agree that Scotland should be an independent country?” Advertisement Continue reading the main story Mr. Salmond has also said, in the face of strong objections from Mr. Cameron, that he favors a second question on the ballot, asking voters whether they would favor an autonomous Scotland with much broader powers than it currently has, but still part of the United Kingdom — a compromise that polls suggest would probably win a majority. Photo Scotland lost its independence from England in 1707. Credit The New York Times The two leaders also differ on the timing of the referendum. Mr. Cameron favors an early vote; Mr. Salmond, apparently eager for time to build support for a breakaway, has held to his demand for a vote in 2014, with the possibility of independence by 2016. An Edinburgh meeting between the two leaders earlier this year ended in bitter deadlock, each man belittling the other. Both have quoted from Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Mr. Salmond chose citations that reflect Burns’s 18th-century lament for Scotland’s lost independence. Mr.

Cameron cited a popular passage in which the poet described a mouse — in Mr. Cameron’s implication, Mr. Salmond — as a “wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim’rous beastie.” Mr. Salmond, by turn, offered Mr. Cameron free elocution lessons so that he could cite Burns’s lines with an inflection that made them comprehensible to Scottish ears. Please verify you're not a robot by clicking the box. Invalid email address. Please re-enter. You must select a newsletter to subscribe to. Sign Up Privacy Policy The British leader has followed that with a mocking reference to Mr. Salmond’s attempts to delay the referendum. “I thought we were meant to be watching ‘Braveheart,’ ” he told the Scottish Conservatives. “It turns out it’s ‘Chicken Run.’ ” But a day visiting Stirling suggested that Mr. Salmond might have the wind at his back. At the Bannockburn memorial, among a half-dozen people encountered exercising dogs, enjoying the fresh air and eating their lunchtime sandwiches, support for independence was strong.

Alex McClelland, 23, a teacher’s aide at a local secondary school who described himself as a descendant of Robert the Bruce, cast the issue as a matter of pride. “Alex Salmond is smug and arrogant, everybody can see that,” he said. “But he has a vision, a big vision, and none of his political opponents have any vision at all. All they come up with are arguments that belittle Scotland. It’s time we stood up on our own.” In the heart of old Stirling, at Alex Waldron’s bagpipe shop, Mr. Waldron, 41, leaned toward backing the independence bid. “Is two and a half years enough time for Salmond to swing it, raising that 30 percent in the polls to 51 percent?” he asked. “I don’t know. I listen to people who come into the shop, and their confidence goes through peaks and troughs, from ‘We can’t do it, we’re not good enough,’ to ‘We are good enough!

We can do it!’ I think Salmond will push the polls up by another 10 percent, but in the end, he’ll fall just that little bit short.” A version of this article appears in print on April 5, 2012, on Page A4 of the New York edition with the headline: Pinning Scottish Independence on a Fervor for 1314. Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe Braveheart & Bannockburn - The Kingdom Of Fife Braveheart & Bannockburn - The Kingdom Of Fife Braveheart & Bannockburn Days Out & About At first glance, it might seem strange why the City Of Stirling has been included on this web site but if we take Glenrothes as the most central community of Fife then Stirling is no farther than our immediate neighbouring cities of Perth, Dundee and Edinburgh and thus demands consideration and inclusion. It also proves, once again, why Fife provides an ideal base from which to explore most of Scotland!

On this page, we've chosen to explore historical aspects about William Wallace, Robert the Bruce and the infamous battle of Bannockburn plus details of modern days exhibits all centred close to Stirling and thus combining to make a multiple day-out venue of great enjoyment. In the closing years of the thirteenth century, Scotland was a land in turmoil and where a politically wise English King was called upon to arbtrate as to the rightful heir to the Scottish Crown. Never one to miss an opportunity to further his own interests, Edward I chose John Balliol, a man soon regarded as 'Toom Tabbard' or the 'empty raincoat' by many Scots. Often, Edward I humiliated the Scottish King in public and Balliol was portrayed as a puppet under the command of his English counterpart. Rebellion became inevitable as Scots increasingly resented Balliol and sought freedom and liberation from English occupation of their land. This first rebellion was rapidly quashed at the Battle of Dunbar in 1297 and where the Scottish King hid at Strathcathro near Montrose rather than become directly involved with the struggle.

He abdicated the throne soon afterwards in favour of 'Guardians Of The Realm' and which included two competitors for the throne of Scotland. They were John Comyn of Kingussie and Robert Bruce of Annandale. Later, this was to be of profound importance but in the meantime, new leaders of the revolution,and initially still proclaiming that John Balliol was the rightful King, emerged to forge a new Scottish army willing to fight for independence and freedom. Their names were William Wallace and Andrew Moray. Although it's not entirely clear what caused Wallace to attack and resist the occupation; the notion presented in the popular film, Braveheart, is entirely feasible but a more likely account is that concerning his alleged encounter with some English soldiers who demanded that he surrendered all the fish he had caught that day from a river. Wallace tried to reason with them and offered half but this was deemed inadequate and prompted Wallace to attack and kill several of them. From that moment, he was an outlaw from English justice and who decided to fight back. Over a period of time, others joined him and where his 'hit and run' raids on English installations grew in daring and scope.

Andrew Moray had already been using similar tactics in Northern Scotland with some success and it was common hatred of the occupation that drew them together. English King Edward I had increasingly expected to get income and troops from his vassals in Scotland to support his wars in France but, in sharp contrast to this desire, the establishment of the 'Auld Alliance' between France and Scotland suddenly opened up two fronts with England caught in the centre. An English army was despatched to deal with this latest Scottish rebellion and where the confident English army fully expected a repeat of the Battle of Dunbar. It's alleged that William Wallace stood on the Abbey Craig close to Stirling and watched as the large English force headed towards Stirling Bridge At the time, the bridge in question could only accomodate two warhorses side by side and the English army thus became split with their knights and warhorses on one side with the infantry waiting on the other. In theory, the war horses were the tanks of their age and capable of breaking the ranks of any enemy line and permitting great advantage to the following infantry. At Stirling Bridge however, the wily Scots permitted the warhorses to cross the bridge and followed by about eight thousand infantry before ordering the attack.

Scottish spearmen rushed down towards the bridge and secured the bridgehead thus splitting the numerically superior forces of the English army. In response, the English war horses and knights who had crossed the bridge rallied and charged forward towards the main body of the Scottish army only to be suddenly confronted by pike men arranged in sheltron formations and with long pikes dug into the ground and levelled at various angles, pointing outward and akin to hedgehog spines on a much greater scale. For only the second time in medieval history, the first occurred in Switzerland, the overwhelming confidence of armoured knight and warhorse against infantry was broken and where the warhorses failed to deliver the knock-out blow expected of them. For the English, the situation grew worse when the Scottish sheltrons were ordered to advance and where English knights, warhorses and infantry were trapped within a receding area and compelling some to swim over the river and failing to reach the other side. Wallace had won the day and was subsequently dubbed 'Guardian of Scotland' but sadly, Andrew Moray had received serious wounds during the battle and died soon afterwards. Alas, one battle and one victory rarely becomes the final arbittor of war!

In Europe, King Edward I was forced to concede terms with King Philip the Fair of France and withdrew his troops back to England. He was thus perfectly poised to personally lead an English army into Scotland just one year after the disaster of Stirling Bridge. Upon hearing this news, Wallace wisely advocated a 'scorched earth' policy in which crops were burned or deliberately destroyed so that the advancing army might struggle to find food to eat. By the time Edward's Army reached Edinburgh, most of his troops were close to rebellion and it seemed best to retreat. News of the Scottish Army encamped at Falkirk, less than thirty miles away, changed that decision. In one final push, Edward led his army westward and with several Scottish nobility having switched sides in favour of the English King. On the battlefield of Falkirk, the Scots army was betrayed and defeated by several members of the Scottish nobility and Wallace was captured. He was transported to London and where he was accused of treason against a King he had never sworn fealty nor loyalty to. Found guilty of this trumped up charge, his body was hung, drawn and quartered with several parts of his body displayed to show what rewards would be gained if actions against the English King were undertaken.

Whilst Edward I saw himself as the 'Hammer of the Scots', he failed to live up to that title. He died of dysentry leading another army north towards Scotland. Robert Bruce - King Of Scots As stated earlier, both John Comyn and Robert Bruce could claim the throne of Scotland but their competitive nature came to a head in Dunfries Chapel and where Bruce killed him in an act of cold blooded murder.The 'man who might be king' left many followers and believers and as Robert the Bruce struggled to assemble the new Scottish army; there were many supporters of Comyn ready to fight against him. Despite this, Robert Bruce was crowned King of Scotland just seven weeks later. English King Edward I had already made six victorious forays into Scotand and now commanded allegience from those granted in his favour to act in his place and raise an army against Robert Bruce and headed by Aymer de Valence, brother-in-law to John Comyn. In 1306, Valence commanded his army to Perth while Robert commanded his army just north of this position at Methven.

Astonshingly in retrospect, and in a declining age of chivalry and fair quarter, a naive Robert failed to post sentries or spotters despite the close proximity of the armies; a crucial error that almost cost him his life and ambitions when Valence and his army attacked early in the morning of 19th June and caught the opposition completely by surprise. In a short space of time, Robert's army was routed and destroyed and he was forced to flee and hide. According to popular myth and legend, Robert hid in a cave while Valence's men scoured the countryside in search of him and where he carefully observed a spider steadily rebuilding its web after it had been destroyed by his arrival. It seems the young king took this as a sign to begin again but in a different fashion and more akin to the guerilla tactics formerly employed by William Wallace and Andrew Moray. It may be alleged that Robert was afraid to face up to major confrontation after the disaster at Methven but when his brother, Edward Bruce, began a seige of Stirling Castle in early 1314 , the die was cast in this direction.

Edward Bruce faced an initial position of stalemate but it was equally obvious the castle could not survive indefinitely without external help and support from England. Sir Philip Mowbray, charged with command of the castle, entered into agreement with Edward that if support from England failed to materialise by mid-summer then he would willingly surrender the castle. Given the strategic importance of Stirling Castle, Edward II of England was compelled to respond and despite recent internal insurrection from his barons and noblemen. Perhaps because the noble houses of England sought to heal the rift, many agreed to support a further military campaign into Scotland and the army sent into Scotland comprised about two thousand horses and about sixteen thousand infantry troops and archers. This army arrived in Edinburgh on June 19th and just a few days before the truce was due to expire. Trouble erupted among the eight hundred Welsh archers, and with time at a premium, the issue was settled by force witjh many Welshmen pu to the sword. On June 22nd, the English army reached Falkirk and were just fifteen miles from Stirling. From here, they followed an old Roman Road towards the castle and destiny on the Battlefield of Bannockburn.

By contrast, the Scottish army may have comprised about eight thousand men in all with about five hundred archers and five hundred warhorses. Although greatly outnumbered, the Scots had the considerable advantage of being on the site of battle in advance and where they use this time to place 'pot traps' and where the hoof of any warhorse falling into one was likely to break the horses leg and bring down its rider. The road from Falkirk was lined either side with such traps and forcing the English army to advance on a narrow front and where they would eventually arrive at the Tor Wood and where movement of the Scots army could be concealed. The English army would also arrive at a point where the slope of the land favoured the Scots. The land also favoured a strategic withrawal if Robert chose to take this option and this was seriously considered as an opton right up until the last moment. As stated earlier, Robert was not keen to rest his destiny on a single battle in the way William Wallace had at Falkirk.

He was even critical of his brother, Edward, for creating this win or lose all situation but as the preparations took shape and where he could see the lie of the land, he must have known there would never be a better chance to win against the superior forces being applied against him. The area had natural boundaries like the River Forth to the North and the Bannockburn to the South and where both merged to the East. In addition and following the slaughter of Welshmen at Edinburgh, Robert was told about the poor atate of morale within the English army. Forget any notion about a Scots army clad in kilts (kilts came later in Scottish history) and fighting with farming implements. Robert had rejected many applicants to join the Scots army unless suitably equipped with heavy vestment or mail clothing, spears, swords or bows and arrows. The new Scottish army had learned much from the experience of William Wallace and where sheltrons were now more able to move in perfect unison and retaining their ability to defeat any cavalry charge. They'd learned how to minimise aerial assault from archers and were more capable in many ways than previously. On Sunday 23rd June, an extraordinary event and in advance of the main battle occurred.

Henry de Bohun, nephew of the Earl of Hereford, had ridden ahead of the main army when he spotted the Scottish King riding a type of horse better known for agility rather than strength, size or power and known as a palfrey. Robert wasn't wearing armour and armed only with a battle-axe. It was an opportunity too good to miss and Henry de Bohum charged towards the Scottish King. As de Bohun's great warhorse thundered towards him, Robert stood his ground, watched with mounting anxiety by his own army. With the Englishman only feet away, Bruce turned aside, stood up tall in his stirrups and hit the knight so hard with his axe that he split de Bohun's helmet and head in two. This small incident became in a larger sense a symbol of the war itself: the one side heavily armed but lacking agility; the other highly mobile and open to opportunity. Rebuked by his commanders for the enormous risk he had taken, the Scottish King only expressed regret that he had broken the shaft of his best battle axe.

On the same day, there were a few skimishes easily repulsed by the Scots but which should have signalled the kind of battle that might unfold on the second day and where the main battle took place. The English army was still approaching Stirling from the south and Edward made a decision to cross the Bannockburn to the East of the New Park area. At first light, the sheltrons of Scottish spearmen began to move in unison towards the English front line. According to several accounts, Edward was surprised to see Robert's army emerge from the cover of the Tor Wood and as Bruce's army drew nearer, they paused and knelt in prayer. The English King Edward is supposed to have said in surprise "They pray for mercy!" "For mercy, yes," one of his attendants replied, "But from God, not you. These men will conquer or die." One of the English earls, Gloucester, asked the king to hurry up, but the king accused him of cowardice. Angered, the earl mounted his horse and led the vanguard on a charge against the leading Scots spearmen, commanded by Edward Bruce. Gloucester was one of the first casualties and alongside other knights.

The sheer size of the English army made it difficult to move quickly and much time was lost trying to get into the preferred positions. By then, Robert Bruce had committed his whole Scots army in a massive push into the poorly organized English mass, the skeltrons fighting side by side across a single front and defeating each charge of the English war horses. The small force of Scottish archers added misery in Edward's army and drove the English into a tightly packed area in which, if a man fell, he would be crushed by those walking over him. English and Welsh archers were forced to refrain from attack as there was a good chance that many of the arrows would strike infantry of the English army. As the Scots moved forward, Englsih knights began to retreat and escape back across the Bannockburn. With the English formations beginning to break apart, a great shout went up from the Scots, "Lay on! Lay on! Lay on! They fail!" This loud cry was heard by Bruce's camp followers largely comprising cooks and servants camped over the hill and initially out of sight. On hearing the cry, they gathered crude weapons and banners before mounting the ridge to see what was happening.

To the shock and surprise of an already struggling English army; this was mistakenly viewed as the arrival of a fresh and fit reserve army. The English army retreat now turned into a rout with some knights heading for the protection of the castle while the great bulk of them, clad in heavy armour attempted to cross the rivers. According to one account of the battle, written by Barbour, "they ran, tumbling over one another" and where the war horses crossed the carse land, normally bog-like in winter but quite dry during summer, only to be confronted by the steep and slippery banks of the river. Any hesitation at this point meant being pushed forward by the mass of panicing troops and knights running and rushing in an attempt to save their lives. According to Barbour, the crush was such that "men could pass dryshod upon the drowned bodies” in some places. King Edward II fled from the battlefield with his personal bodyguards and evaded capture by securing passage to England on a boat sailing from Dunbar. The remainder of his army fared less well. Many were killed by the pursuing Scottish army or else by inhabitants of the lands they crossed through.

According to historian Peter Reese, one one sizeable group of infantry did succeed in making the ninety-mile journey back into England but its notable that these were Welsh spearmen and perhaps spared on account of their common Celtic ancestry. It's been suggested that a sizeable faction of English nobility was lost at Bannockburn with some estimates placing the casualty rate at about seven hundred with a further five hundred captured and held for ransom. Casualties among English infantry were worse and where as many as eleven thousand may have been killed, either on the battlefield or subsequently! The damage inflicted on the English was severe and took many years to repair. Despite this, England still refused to recognise Scotland as an independent nation until ten years after this event. Scottish casualties were far lighter with only two knights killed and most of the Scottish army remaining intact. Robert Bruce, now undesputed King of Scotland, now inherited a huge amount of plunder and wealth abandoned by the retreating English, and yet, he was compelled to accept limitations as to his rule. Before his death in 1329, Robert wrote an advisory directed towards future kings of Scotland and warning them of the power held and exerted Clan Donald and others.

Such text suggests that while Robert held title over Scotand; he was also vassal to wishes demanded by the more powerful clan Lords of the North and where his power and influence might have been substantially weaker than might have been supposed in modern times. The Bannockburn Visitor Centre is located beside the site of the famous battle and is open from late spring to early autumn. William Wallace Monument Driving westward from Fife towards the city of Stirling, visitors can see the unique 220 foot high sandstone tower structure of a monument dedicated to the memory of Sir William Wallace, one of the most famous 'freedom fighters' in Scottish history and whose ultimate betrayal and ghastly execution hardened Scottish resolve. His life and struggle was fictionalised and portrayed in 'Hollywood' fashion in the popular movie 'Braveheart' with Mel Gibson in the leading role. In real life and at that time, William Wallace, Guardian of Scotland, came close to defeating King Edward II, an experienced military tactician who had already subdued and annexed Wales by the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284.

Although, King Edward I would have probably loved a similar settlement in Scotland, his wars in Europe and Wales had weakened the English exchequer and where similar investment in Scotland was likely to promote a baronial revolt within his own realm. Indeed, his son and successor, Edward II, had to deal with such a revolt soon after his death. Edward I was actually leading an army towards Scotland when he died and perhaps hoping to annex Scotland in a similar way he had to Wales and it remains an important distinction whenever the subject of Welsh Independance is compared to that of Scottish Independance in current times. Full monarchial and governmental integration between Scotland and England didn't occur until four hundred years later in 1707 and amid very different circumstances. The tower stands upon Abbey Craig, a volcanic outcrop from where William Wallace is alleged to have observed an English army assembling immediately before the Battle of Stirling Bridge. There are 246 steps to climb before reaching the gallery overlooking the Ochil hills and Forth valley. The Wallace memorial was built and completed in 1869 via public conscription and including foreign financial contribitions towards the cost of construction made by revolutionary Italian leader Giuseppe Garibaldi.

It's open to the public most days of the year and where a modest display of artifacts alleged and linking to William Wallace is on display, the highlight of which is a heavy sword measuring 165cm long (five feet four inches). Stirling Castle Last, but by no means least, is the great medieval fortification that commands the highest point of land for miles around and whose views from the top of the high walls overlooking the Forth Valley must rank as one of the finest in the land. That, in itself, is worth seeing and while the more renowned Edinburgh Castle offers more in terms of grandeur, size and the serendipity of historical links, Stirling Castle has much of the same but on a lesser scale and typically without the hassles of car parking and long distance walking to visit it. Naturally, this isn't the castle pictured above that Robert the Bruce would have seen since the oldest surviving parts date to around the fourteenth century and has been updated many times since. The infamous Mary, Queen of Scots, and who seems to have trvelled to many parts of Scotland, was crowned here as were other former Kings of the realm.

Due to its apparently similar appearance to that of Colditz Castle in Saxony and where the latter was used to house Prisoners of War in World War 2, the 'Colditz' drama series was actually filmed at Stirling Castle. In the early part of the twenty-first century, many parts of the castle underwent major restoration and where the castle esplanade or parade ground provided venue for popular music artists including REM, Bob Dylan, Wet Wet Wet and Runrig with this and surrounding scenery included in several 'in concert' DVDs. The regimental museum and headquarters of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlander regiment of the British Army has its HQ at Stirling Castle. The castle is open to tourists throughout the year and is managed by Historic Scotland. VisitScotland blog ǀ Don't miss the BBC's Quest for Bannockburn Amy Robertson June 3, 2014 View Comments The Quest for Bannockburn will be shown in two parts on BBC Two this June With only a matter of weeks until one of the highlights of the summer, Bannockburn Live , the BBC’s new history programme, The Quest for Bannockburn , is essential viewing for those keen to uncover Scotland’s fascinating – and extremely bloody – medieval history.

Follow renowned historians Neil Oliver and Tony Pollard as they go in search of the answers to what really happened during that fateful battle of 1314. Questions that have been debated for centuries, including how did Robert the Bruce secure a victory against an army much stronger than his, and where exactly did the battle take place, will be examined during this thrilling two-part series. Neil and Tony tackle this investigation from all angles, researching ancient accounts of the battle, talking to experts and getting their hands dirty during battlefield dig where they make some extraordinary discoveries. You’ll also see the duo examine the 14th century landscape of Stirling using the 3D technology at Battle of Bannockburn visitor centre – you can visit this brand new, state-of-the-art visitor attraction and experience it for yourself. Look out for the appearance of the formidable Charlie Allan and Clanranald , the group of highly-trained re-enactors who will be co-ordinating the epic battle performances during Bannockburn Live, a feast of food, music and history which takes place on the site of the famous battlefield on 28 – 29 June.

During the BBC programme, Charlie and his men demonstrate some of the tactics employed by the Scottish forces during the two days of fighting, including the formation of impenetrable schiltrons and creating a minefield of cavalry-destroying pits. Parts of the battle are spectacularly brought to life through carefully staged recreations. You can see these brutal combat techniques displayed before your very eyes when hundreds of re-enactors clash at Bannockburn Live – it’s the biggest performance of its kind to ever take place in Scotland. The first episode was broadcast on BBC Two Scotland on Monday 2 June followed the second episode on Monday 9 June. If you missed it, you’ve still got time to watch the documentary on BBC iPlayer – it’s available until Monday 16 June. Discover more about the Battle of Bannockburn and Bannockburn Live in the VisitScotland blog . The following two tabs change content below.

Short break to historic Stirling – itison £69 instead of £178 for a two night stay for two with full Scottish breakfast each morning at the King Robert Hotel situated on the outskirts of Stirling on the site of the Battle of Bannockburn – save 61% 30 About today's deal If restless knights often leave you having a bad heir day then it might be time to get away for a couple of days. Enjoy a royally good break with today’s itison deal for a two night stay for two with full Scottish breakfast each morning at the fabulous King Robert Hotel – for just £69! That’s a saving of 61%! The King Robert Hotel is situated on the site of the Battle of Bannockburn on the outskirts of historic Stirling and just minutes from its cosmopolitan town centre. Ideally placed in the heart of the central belt, the hotel is perfect for those wishing to explore the glorious Trossachs, Stirling Castle, countless golf courses, the Wallace Monument and of course Stirling’s shopping scene.

With today’s itison deal you and a companion can enjoy two nights in one of the hotel’s 52 en suite bedrooms which are fully equipped with all the necessary amenities for modern travellers including flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. Each morning you can awake to a full Scottish breakfast served in the hotel’s garden suite to set you up for the day’s adventures. This deal is perfect for anyone in need of a mesmerising mini-break to help bridge the gap between now and Christmas or those in need of a couple of nights rest after the frenzy of Christmas festivities. Get this royal encounter for just £69 today and enjoy a little brush with the King on us. This deal is brought to you by… Jennifer, Aberdeen team Today’s fantastic deal is for a two night stay at The King Robert Hotel - on the site of the Battle of Bannockburn - for the bargain price of only £69. With plenty to see and do in the surrounding area this hotel makes for the perfect getaway and you can even explore some of Scotland’s landmarks such as Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument which are right on its door step. What to expect A two night stay for two people in a standard double or twin room with full Scottish breakfast each morning.

Small print Voucher is valid until 31st Jan 2013, Sun-Fri; subject to availability. £20 supplement per couple required for Sat night stay – organise with and pay directly to hotel. Excludes 23rd, 24th, 30th Nov, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th-16th, 21st-26th, 30th, 31st Dec, 1st Jan 2013. No telephone bookings.

Question: The site of the Battle of Bannockburn is close to which Scottish town or city?
Answer: Stirling