Battle of Falkirk

The Battle of Falkirk

July 1298

Less than a year after the defeat at Stirling, Edward I. personally led an even larger Army back to Scotland. Already the march was a torture for Eduard and his troops, as Wallace in guerrilla tactics repeatedly carried out minor raids. In July 1298, the armies finally met at Falkirk.
Wallace had his troops stationed in a Schiltron and distributed between them Archers and Infantry. At first Eduard stormed his cavalry, which ran into the javelins of the Scots and impaled themselves by the force of their Horses. While calling back the remaining cavalry, the scottish Nobles left the Battlefield. Unable to penetrate the Schiltron, Eduard had his Archers and Mercenaries advance, scorching the scottish Ranks. Now Eduard sent his Riders back again. Wallace’s defense collapsed and was overrun. The Scots who survived the last attack, including Wallace, left the Battlefield.
Eduard could not take up the pursuit because of supply shortages and began the retreat to England.

Why Wallace attack despite the superiority of the English is unclear. It is believed that he assumed that the english Troops had been so weakened by the march that they could not withstand an Attack. It is also believed that the scottish Cavalry was bribed and therefore stayed away from the Fight.

The Rebellion and the Resistance were ended for the time being by this defeat.