BattlefieldsBattle of Bannockburn — Day One cavalry repulse 1314
Medieval

Battle of Bannockburn — Day One cavalry repulse 1314

1314
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Also known as: Bannockburn June 23 1314 · De Bohun killed by Bruce 1314
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Clifford / Beaumont cavalry)
Forces
Scottish schiltrons; Bruce's personal retinue
VS
Victor
Scotland (Robert the Bruce)
Forces
English cavalry probes
Outcome
On the first day of Bannockburn, English cavalry probes were repelled; Bruce killed Henry de Bohun in single combat
The Battle

History & Significance

The first day of Bannockburn saw two significant Scottish successes. Edward Bruce's schiltron repelled a cavalry charge by the Earl of Gloucester. Then Robert Bruce himself was challenged to personal combat by the English knight Henry de Bohun, who charged him at full gallop. Bruce, on a small palfrey, sidestepped the charge and split de Bohun's head open with his battle-axe — breaking the haft. He afterwards apologised to his commanders only for breaking his good axe. The first day's fighting showed the English that Scottish schiltrons could stop cavalry.

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