The advance of the English

Although this was not exactly the case, the rash character of Edward led him to commit some errors in the disposal of his troops, which led to fatal consequences. He had hurried on to Scotland with such rapidity, that the horses were worn out with travel and want of food, and the men were not allowed the regular periods for halt and refreshment, so that his soldiers went into action under great disadvantage. Upon advancing from Falkirk, early in the morning, and when the English host was only two miles distant from the Scottish army, Edward despatched an advanced party of eight hundred cavalry, led by Sir Robert Clifford, with orders to outflank the enemy, and to throw themselves into Stirling castle. Bruce had looked for this movement, and had commanded Randolph, his nephew, to be vigilant in repelling any such attempt. Clifford, however, unobserved by Randolph, made a circuit by the low grounds to the oast and north of the church of St Ninians, and having thus avoided the front of the Scottish line, he was proceeding towards the castle, when he was detected by the piercing eye of Bruce, who rode hastily up to Randolph, and reproached him for his carelessness in having suffered the enemy to pass. "Oh, Randolph V cried his master, "lightly have you thought of the charge committed to you; a rose has fallen from your chaplet."

How to use Timeline

Timeline of Scottish History