1314: The Year of Bannockburn

The Battle of Bannockburn was a significant moment in Scottish history, with a small militia army overcoming a larger, better-resourced foe. This book offers an in-depth study of the immediate context of the battle, including the preparations and reactions of both sides. It explores the possibility that King Robert was unwell during this period and considers the influence this had on the outlook and activities of both sides. The initial Scottish response to the threat is examined, as well as the preparations made by the English crown for the proposed campaign. The siege of Stirling and the resultant deal made between the Scots and the Stirling garrison are highlighted, as well as the battle itself and its immediate fall-out. The gradual redistribution of lands that this facilitated shaped the history of Scotland for the remainder of the fourteenth-century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The Battle of Bannockburn, which took place on 23rd and 24th June 1314, is widely regarded as one of the most significant moments in Scottish history. The fighting that occurred during this period is often portrayed as a stirring tale of how a small but determined and well-organized militia army can overcome a larger, better-resourced foe. It also marks a crucial early turning point in the long and bitter conflicts between Scotland and England in the late medieval and early modern period. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the immediate context of the battle, delving into the preparations made by both sides in the months leading up to the conflict and the reactions of the two sides to the outcome in the months that followed. Dr. Callum Watson explores the state of affairs in Scotland in the autumn of 1313 and how this influenced Edward II's decision to invade Scotland in 1314. He examines the possibility that King Robert was unwell during this period and considers the impact this had on the outlook and actions of both sides leading up to the battle. He reconstructs the initial Scottish response to this threat and examines the preparations made by the English crown for the proposed campaign, tracking these alongside Scottish military activities. Detailed consideration is given to the siege of Stirling and the resulting deal made between the Scots and the Stirling garrison, highlighting how this development fundamentally altered the expectations of both armies and set them on a collision course at Bannockburn. The battle itself is closely examined, taking into account Bruce's preparations in the weeks before the event and his innovative use of the landscape.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399035187