Battle of Sterling Bridge

The Battle of Sterling Bridge

September 1297

In Resistance to the english Supremacy in Scotland in September 1297 troops under the leadership of Andrew de Moray and the under-wing William Wallace moved towards Stirling. Although the English were numerically superior, better trained and more adventurous, yet the Scots -they had just successfully completed the siege of Dundee- were highly motivated and posted themselves on the north side of the River Forth, hidden among trees.
Since the English thought the fight would take place in the manner of the Knights on the agreed Battlefield, they crossed the river over a small Bridge. When they had crossed about a third De Moray launched two attacks. One went head-on into the crowd, the other in the back, to cut off the way back.

The Schiltron of the English, who were unprepared for such an attack, was completely destroyed, while the cavalry on the swampy Ground could do nothing and were made down by the lightly armed Scots. English troops on the north side of the river fled, while De Warenne had the bridge destroyed from the south side. Hugh de Cressingham, the leader of the English troops, was captured and killed. The Scots had defeated the superior Army of the English with low losses, however, De Moray was wounded during the fight, succumbed to his injuries a few weeks later and Wallace took over the leadership of the troops.
According to a legend, Wallace is said to have peeled off the skin of De Cressingham on the Battlefield.

Although the scottish Nobility Wallace begrudge the Victory, he was appointed by you subsequently to the Guardian of Scotland.