1. Why did the English defeat the Scots at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298?

2. Learning objective – to be able to identify the key features of the Battle of Falkirk of 1298.
I can describe the key identify the key features of the Battle of Falkirk of Grade 3
I can explain the key identify the key features of the Battle of Falkirk of Grade 6
I can explain and assess the key features of the Battle of Falkirk of 1298.
Grade 9

4. Why did the Battle of Falkirk take place in 1298?
The Scots, fed up of English control, led by William Wallace rose in revolt in After a decisive victory at Stirling Bridge, the English were faced with a full-blown rebellion which spread to the Scots invading northern England.
After the delay of winter, Edward I was able to summon a huge army of 15,000 men and marched north into Scotland in 1298.
Despite problems with supplies and poor weather, Edward decided to launch an all-out attack on the Scots army, which was spotted just outside Falkirk, blocking the way to the strategically important Stirling Castle.

5. How did the English and Scots forces compare?
English forces 2,000 cavalry 13,000 infantry – of which 5,000 were longbowmen. Led by Edward I and supported by nobles.
Scottish forces 500 cavalry 9,500 infantry – of which 1,500 were archers. Led by William Wallace – not a nobleman. The nobles would only support Wallace when things were going well and found it difficult to take orders from him.

6. How successful was the initial English cavalry charge?
Despite orders to the contrary, the English cavalry made a charge at the enemy before the King’s cavalry arrived on the battlefield. This had three consequences –
The charge forced the Scottish cavalry off the battlefield showing little loyalty to Wallace.
The English cavalry charge across the flanks of the Scottish forces divided the Scottish archers and shiltrons. The English were then able to sweep the archers off the battlefield.
However, the English cavalry were unable to successfully attack the Scottish shiltron troops.

7. How did the longbow change the course of the Battle of Falkirk?
Unable to attack the shiltrons effectively, Edward decided to use his longbowmen.
Clouds of arrows rained down on the shiltron troops, who had no armour. Thousands died as many scattered trying to avoid the arrows.
This was decisive as gaps now appeared in the walls of the Scottish forces and the English cavalry and infantry poured into these gaps pursuing and defeating the shiltron troops, who were poorly armed for hand-to-hand combat.

8. What were the consequences of the Battle of Falkirk?
Scottish casualties – In a very short battle, the Scottish lost between 2,000 and 5,000 men. The English lost significantly less.
Confirmed the superiority of the longbow– The longbow became the most significant Medieval weapon for 150 years.
Indecisive – The war between England and Scotland continued until the Battle of Bannockburn in Although, Wallace was soon captured and executed after the Battle of Falkirk.

9. What was the importance of the individual in the Battle of Falkirk?
William Wallace
Use of shiltrons nearly worked and would work in future battles.
Chose good position on a slope by the woods.
However, he did not protect his flanks.
Outnumbered, Wallace decided to fight on and his cavalry and archers played no real part in the battle.
Many of his nobles lost faith and deserted him.
Edward I
Managed to overcome the problems of suppling his troops – supplies came by sea.
Edward was fortunate that indiscipline of his cavalry was not punished by the Scots.
His bold decision to attack the Scots was brave and paid off.
His attacks on Wallace’s flanks was a masterstroke.
His use of the longbow was critical in his victory.

10. Organise the following statements under the following headings – Composition of armies, Edward’s I decisions and Battlefield formations.
England had a much larger force dominated by longbowmen.
English longbows were able to weaken the Scottish shiltron line which led to the cavalry successfully attack.
William Wallace was able to chose an advantageous battlefield position.
The English cavalry were not able to defeat the Scottish shiltrons who made up the bulk of the Scottish centre formation.
Edward overcame the supplies problem but moving supplies by sea to his troops.
The English cavalry were able to sweep the Scottish cavalry and archers from the battlefield.
The English army’s leadership was united and followed Edward I’s instructions.
William Wallace did not get on with the nobles which affected decision making.
The English cavalry were undisciplined ... But got away with it.
Wallace was not able to secure his flanks from which the English attacked this weak point of his formation.
The Scottish army had much fewer archers and cavalry.
Edward I made important tactical decisions, such as the use of the longbow and attacking Scottish flanks.

11. Follow up Tasks
Copy the battlefield formations of the Battle of Falkirk.
‘The Battle of Falkirk was a victory for infantry over cavalry’ Do you agree with this statement? Write one paragraph to summarise your answer.

12. Plenary – My Brain Subheading – My Brain
Draw an outline of your brain.
Fill your drawn brain with all the things you have learnt in this lesson. This can be in the form of key words, drawings, bullet points, lists – anything you like so long as it summarises your learning and that others can understand it.