William Wallace page 2
The Battle of Stirling Bridge
In the early days of September 1297 Wallace and his army established themselves on Abby Craig, a hill on the north bank of the River Forth, near Stirling. Surrey and Cressingham, the one lethargic, the other arrogant and brash, thought that with their superior numbers and the reputation of the English army would ensure victory. The English sent priests to demand that the Scots surrender. Wallace rejected the call: "Tell your people we have not come here to gain peace, but for battle to avenge and deliver our country. Let them come up when they like and they will find us ready to meet them to their beards."
On 11th of September the English army began crossing the wooden causeway over the River Forth. Wallace watched and waited patiently, then, at the chosen moment, sent the army charging down on the enemy. The English, not prepared and disordered, were driven back by the disciplined infantry onslaught with heavy casualties. Some men were killed on the bridge, many drowned, others were pursued by the Scots and cut down. Cressingham was killed and his body skinned by the Scots. The battle at Stirling Bridge had demonstated that the foot soldier, well trained, with a carefully selected position, could master the English knight.
