Stirling

The Warrior

Wallace the Warrior and Stirling’s role in the fight for Scotland’s freedom

The sites of two great battles, fought for Scotland’s freedom during the long War of Independence, 1296-1320, illustrate what is commonly said: “to take Stirling is to hold Scotland.”

Edward I invaded and subjected Scotland in 1296, massacring the townspeople of Berwick, stripping King John Balliol of his arms of Scotland and her symbols of nationhood, including the Stone of Destiny, Black Rood of St Margaret, and many other precious relics, jewels, documents and charters.

”Against impossible odds, William Wallace and Andrew Moray raised an army, fought a guerrilla war against the English occupation, and on 11 September 1297 inflicted a decisive defeat at Stirling Bridge.

The Scots waited until the English army crossed the wooden bridge in significant numbers before attacking. The heavy English cavalry was trapped and unable to fight properly in the soft land around the River Forth; and a partial demolition of the bridge at the north end organised by Wallace at a critical moment threw many into the water, and the army was split and defeated.

After the death of Wallace in 1305, King Robert the Bruce continued the war. As ever, to take Stirling was to hold Scotland.

King Robert intercepted the army of King Edward II on the field of Bannockburn, having prepared the ground carefully and worked out his plan of attack in advance. His great victory on 24 June 1314 has been well celebrated in song and poetry.

Stirling is indeed ‘the brooch which clasps the Highlands and the Lowlands together’. It has been at the heart of many of the most momentous events in the history of Scotland. In fact, it is impossible to write about the country’s past without frequent reference to Stirling.

Elspeth King

Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum