Victory at Stirling Bridge and its effects on Scots and on Scotland - description of content - WW Flashcards
Victory at stirling
Proved that a Scottish army could defeat a superior English force in a pitched battle.
Important because it provided a psychological boost to Scots morale: previous Scottish successes confined to isolated ambushes achieved by guerilla warfare - hit and run tactics.
Hugh Cressingham
The battle claimed the life of senior English officials including the hated English taxman Hugh Cressingham.
This was important because as Treasurer of Scotland he was one of Edward’s most senior government officials - his death represented a blow to English authority.
Wallace more popular
Wallace & Moray gained acceptance by most but not all of the Scottish nobility & proclaimed Guardians of Scotland fighting in the name of king John Balliol.
This was important because Wallace governed Scotland in the name of King John, replacing English authority.
Wallaces governent
Wallace’s government replaced English authority and ruled in the interests of Scotland.
This was important because he appointed important officials including Bishop Lamberton of St Andrews, and proclaimed Scotland’s freedom from English rule to the European continent in the Lubeck Letter of 11 October 1297.
Wallaces victory
Wallace’s victory at Stirling and raids upon Cumbria and Northumberland in northern England united English nobles behind Edward.
This was important because they had been on the brink of civil war, but were so angered that they gave renewed support to Edward’s expedition north in 1298, resulting in English victory at the Battle of Falkirk, July 1298.
The killing of Cressingham
The killing of Cressingham and fleeing of Surrey led to english administratin of scotland.
important because it left the English administration of Scotland in disarray, with only Berwick, Roxburgh and Edinburgh castles remaining in English hands, encouraging additional resistance.
