History Daily 1215: The Battle of Old Byland
Oct 14, 2025
Travel back to October 14, 1322, as the Scots deliver a stunning blow against the English at the Battle of Old Byland. Discover the tragic fate of William Wallace and how his execution fueled the fight for independence. Explore Robert the Bruce's rise to power and the decisive impact of the Battle of Bannockburn. Uncover the chaos of Edward II's ill-fated invasion and his army's desperate retreat. Relive the drama as the Scots claim victory, reshaping the course of Scottish history.
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Wallace's Execution And Its Fallout
- William Wallace was captured, paraded through London, and brutally executed as a warning to Scots.
- His death failed to end Scottish resistance and set the stage for Robert the Bruce's rise.
Bruce's Coronation And Guerrilla Rebound
- Robert the Bruce crowned himself King of Scots at Scone and immediately led a guerrilla campaign after an early defeat.
- His resilience and raids steadily rebuilt support and manpower for a wider fight against English occupation.
How Bannockburn Defied Numerical Odds
- Bannockburn showed that superior numbers and prestige couldn't overcome tired, poorly supplied forces.
- Bruce used terrain, morale, and timing to rout Edward II's larger army in 1314.