Wars of Independence

Wars of Independence
- Alexander III
  The unexpected death of Alexander III left Scotland in crisis and led to the Wars of Independence.
- Margaret, Maid of Norway
  Margaret, Maid of Norway, became Queen of Scotland when she was only three-years-old.
- John Balliol
  John Balliol is remembered as the unlucky king who lost his throne to King Edward I of England.
- William Wallace
  William Wallace's important role during the Wars of Independence made him one of the most famous Scots in history.
- Robert the Bruce
  Robert the Bruce is remembered as a great warrior and the king who won Scotland its freedom during the Wars of Independence.
- Edward I
  Edward I is best remembered as the English king who triggered the Wars of Independence with his invasion of Scotland.
- Key battles of the Wars of Independence
  Find out about five important battles during the Scottish Wars of Independence.
- The Battle of Dunbar, 1296
  The King of England invades and beats a Scottish army in battle at Dunbar.
- The Battle of Stirling Bridge, 1297
  At the Battle of Stirling Bridge William Wallace and Andrew Murray beat a huge English army.
- The Battle of Falkirk, 1298
  William Wallace suffers a terrible defeat at the Battle of Falkirk.
- The Battle of Loudoun Hill, 1307
  Robert the Bruce's wins an important victory against a larger English force at Loudoun Hill.
- The Battle of Bannockburn, 1314
  At Bannockburn King Robert the Bruce beats Edward II's English army in the final battle of the Wars of Independence.
Video playlist
- Wallace's death. Video
  Dr Fiona Watson discusses the evidence behind Wallace's capture, trial and execution.
- Where was the Battle of Bannockburn? Video
  Exploring various sites where historians believed the Battle of Bannockburn took place.
- The death of John Comyn. Video
  What happened at the church when Robert the Bruce and John Comyn met?
- Wallace's birthplace. Video
  Dr Fiona Watson discusses the facts surrounding Wallace's birthplace and his father.
- The Wallace Sword. Video
  Weapons expert Davis Caldwell discusses Wallace's sword.
- The Battle of Stirling Bridge. Video
  Professor Ted Cowan examines the historical evidence for the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

Video playlist