Battle of Falkirk Flashcards
Describe the key events of Edwards march north. (3) (Battle of Falkirk)
- Recaptured 3 castles (Dalhousie, Dirleton and Tantalion).
- His force burnt towns in order to punish the local population.
- He ran out of supplies, and his men NEARLY starved. At Coldstream they found food, and consumed 600 sheep!
How did the English defeat the Scottish schiltrons? (4 steps) (Battle of Falkirk)
- English longbows barraged them
- They were not armoured well, so died
- This left gaps in the schiltrons
- The cavalry could then penetrate the schiltrons, and defeat them.
What did Edward’s cavalry do wrong during the Battle of Falkirk?
They began an uncoordinated cavalry attack at the flanks of Wallace’s army
What did the uncoordinated cavalry attack achieve? (Battle of Falkirk)
- The Scottish archers were cut off from the army
- The Scottish cavalry fled the battlefield
What was the primary flaw with the position Wallace chose?
His flanks were left undefended
What were the two main outcomes of the Battle of Falkirk?
- Infantry could defeat cavalry, so the mounted knight began to decline
- English longbows became a very powerful force on the battlefield
Why did Edward stay close to the coast when marching? (Battle of Falkirk)
- He could be supplied with food via sea
Why was the position Wallace chose a good defensive stance? (2 reasons)
- His front was defended by a marsh
- His behind was protected by woods
Why was winter campaigning unpopular and impractical?
The common people, who made up the infantry, had to leave in order to sow the fields.
Why were Wallace’s cavalry quick to desert? (Battle of Falkirk)
Wallace was not noble, so his cavalry resented taking orders from him
Why were Wallace’s schiltrons successful?
- The English cavalry could not penetrate them on their own.
- They were well disciplined
