William Wallace wins at Stirling Bridge
September 11, 1297
A low-born Scottish outlaw led a force of spearmen against an English army crossing the narrow wooden bridge over the Forth. Wallace caught them half across and slaughtered them in the marsh. The English treasurer was skinned; the victory made Wallace guardian of Scotland. The battle demonstrated that disciplined infantry could defeat heavily armored cavalry by choosing ground that negated the horsemen's advantage.
In context
Also in 1297 (3 other events on record)
- Louis IX canonized by Boniface VIII · Europe · Religion
- Genoese merchants open Black Sea trade routes · Europe · Exploration
- Frances dominates Flemish towns briefly · Europe · War
Before and after in Europe
Before and after in War
Era
High Middle Ages (1000–1300), one of 1,306 events from that era on Saeculum.
Sources