c1250-c1500 - The Battle Of Falkirk 1298 Flashcards
Who fought in the battle of falkirk (1298)
Scotland and england
What was the main reason why the english won the battle?
Due to their use of longbow archers, although the scots effectively used the schiltron. They Seperated scottish units, driving off much of their cavalry and archers
How many troops did the english have?
14000
How many troops did the scottish have?
10000
What was the impact of Edward I using the longbow in response to the scottish schiltrons?
- a storm of arrows came down on the scottish infantry which cause many deaths as they had no armour
What happened when gaps appeared in the walls of scottish pikes?
The english cavalry were able to charge the scottish lines which caused Wallace’s troops to flee and the english infantry joined the attack to chase them down
What was the impact of the Scottish Schiltron formation?
Wallace’s schiltrons were well disciplined and the english cavalry found it hard to break through their lines of pikes.
Disadvantages of schiltrons
Lack of armour Left them vulnerable to archers and the scottish archers were left isolated and exposed
What good decisions did Edward l make?
- supplying his troops campaign by sea
- outmanoeuvring Wallace to attack him from the flanks
- using his archers against the scottish schiltrons
What bad decisions did Edward l make?
- he had little control over his cavalry, but this ultimately was a fortunate thing
What good decisions did William wallace make?
- use of schiltrons
- positioning his forces on a slope, with his rear protected by woods
What were the bad decisions of william wallace?
- failing to protect his flanks
- deciding to fight with inferior numbers
- not controlling his nobles, who deserted
- not using his remaining cavalry and archers
