Battle Of Falkirk

Question 1

Sides and numbers of troops

Answer 1

Scottish: 500 cavalry, 9500 infantry (1500) archers
English: 2000 cavalry, 12000 infantry (5000, longbowmen and 500 crossbowmen)

Question 2

When

Answer 2

22 July 1298

Question 3

Leaders

Answer 3

Scottish: William Wallace
English: Edward I

Question 4

Scottish formation

Answer 4

Defensive formation on high ground on a hill, marsh in front and woods behind for protection, flanks unprotected. Schiltrons on the frontline, with archers behind and cavalry protecting flanks.

Question 5

English Strategy

Answer 5

Uncoordinated cavalry attack firstly forced Scottish cavalry to flee, battlefield. Cavalry then charged into areas between Scottish archers and schiltrons, they were cut down by the pikemen in the schiltrons so this failed.

British longbowmen were called upon to shoot over onto the schiltrons. As they were unprotected they were killed very quickly. This was the key turning point in the battle. This allowed English infantry and mounted cavalry to attack and kill any Scottish infantrymen who could not flee.

Question 6

Outcome

Answer 6

English victory

Question 7

When was it?

Answer 7

1298