BattlefieldsFirst Battle of Stirling Bridge
Medieval

First Battle of Stirling Bridge

1297
Scotland
Also known as: Stirling Bridge 1297
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Earl of Surrey)
Forces
c.6,000 Scots (Wallace and Moray)
VS
Victor
Scotland (William Wallace / Andrew Moray)
Forces
c.10,000-12,000 English
Outcome
Decisive Scottish victory; English vanguard destroyed in the river
The Battle

History & Significance

Wallace's masterpiece and the defining moment of the Scottish Wars of Independence' first phase. Wallace allowed the English to begin crossing the narrow Stirling Bridge before attacking — the English vanguard, crossing two abreast, was cut off and destroyed. Surrey fled. The English treasurer Cressingham was killed and reportedly skinned — Wallace allegedly used the skin for a sword-belt, though this may be propaganda. Scotland was briefly liberated.

Casualties & Losses

Thousands of English killed; Cressingham killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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