First War of Scottish Independence: Battle of Falkirk

July 22, 1298 - The Scottish army of Sir William Wallace is defeated by Edward I at the Battle of Falkirk. Marching north in 1298, Edward sought avenge the English defeat at Stirling Bridge the year before. Badly outnumbered, Wallace conducted a scorched earth campaign and repeatedly retreated north with the goal of starving Edward's army. Upon reaching Edinburgh, Edward's situation was dire and he contemplated a retreat to England.

Hoping to pursue the English as they retreated, Wallace advanced to Falkirk, approximately 13 miles from the English camps. Upon hearing this, Edward opted to give battle. On July 22, the English advanced and attacked the Scottish position. As the English knights approached, Wallace's men assumed enclosed, defensive formations known as schiltrons, with their spears pointing outward. After attacks by his knights and infantry were beaten off by the Scots, Edward ordered his archers to open fire on the schiltrons. As the schiltrons were immobile, the arrows took a heavy toll. With the Scottish ranks thinned, Edwards launched another attack which drove the Scots from the field. Despite his success on the battlefield, his men were starving and were unable to follow up the victory. Weakened by battle and hunger, Edward withdrew back to Carlisle.

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