Today in 1314 Robert I, King of Scots, killed Henry de Bohun at the commencement of the Battle of Bannockburn.

In retaliation for the defeat of English garrisons at Edinburgh and Roxburgh castles, Edward II led a massive invasion force into Scotland, where they met the Scots army at Bannockburn, near Stirling. The battle continued until the next day.

On this day in 1832 Sir James Hall, Scottish geologist, died. Founder of geochemistry, Hall demonstrated that if igneous rocks are allowed to cool slowly, they form crystalline rather than glassy rock. He also showed that limestone, when heated under pressure, does not decompose but becomes marble.

Today's recipe: for a light and summery seasonal dessert try this delicately flavoured elderflower and lemon tart.