BattlefieldsWallace Ettrick Forest ambush 1297
Medieval

Wallace Ettrick Forest ambush 1297

1297
Selkirkshire, Scotland
Also known as: Wallace raid from Selkirk Forest 1297
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Selkirkshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English garrison forces
Forces
English garrison detachments
VS
Victor
Scotland (William Wallace)
Forces
Wallace forest band, growing from hundreds to thousands
Outcome
Wallace used the Ettrick Forest as a base for multiple ambushes against English supply columns and garrison troops in Selkirkshire before Stirling Bridge
The Battle

History & Significance

Before his great victory at Stirling Bridge, William Wallace spent months operating from the dense forests of Selkirk as a guerrilla leader. His forest base was virtually impenetrable to English cavalry. He used it to intercept supply lines, attack English collectors of tribute, and build his army. The Ettrick Forest raids established the tactical doctrine of Scottish resistance: avoid pitched battle, exploit terrain, strike and withdraw.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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