Bannockburn: The Triumph of Robert the Bruce

by David Cornell

Few battles resonate through British history as strongly as Bannockburn. On June 24, 1314, the Scots under the leadership of Robert the Bruce unexpectedly trounced the English, leaving thousands dead or wounded. The victory was one of Scotland’s greatest, the more so because the Scottish army was outnumbered by about three to one. The loss to the English, fighting under Edward II, was staggering.

 

In this groundbreaking account of Bannockburn, David Cornell sets the iconic battle in political and military context and focuses new attention on the roles of Robert and Edward in the events leading to the buildup of their armies. The author brings the two-day battle to life and reassesses both the crucial mêlée fought on the second day and the casualties suffered by the English. Filled with colorful detail and fresh insights, the book throws new light on the battle itself, the character of the English defeat, the effect of that defeat on the course of the Anglo-Scottish wars, and the powerful impact of the battle’s legacy on English and Scottish national identity.

 

Genres: History, Nonfiction

296 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Gavin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this. It's a narrative history told with pace and balance, despite the title. While the title (and the book) obviously focus on Robert the Bruce, the author also gives a good perspective on the domestic issues faced by both Edward I and Edward II. These issues could be said to have had just as much influence over the outcome of Bannockburn as anything that happened in Scotland so it's important that they are covered here. What is really amazing is how little difference there is between real medieval history and something like The Song of Ice and Fire series. Seriously, take away the supernatural elements and who could tell history from fiction? Political betrayals, secret deals, surprise massacres, they are all in here. When the author is faced with contradictory sources he quickly summarises each position and then leaves the decision in the hands of the reader. Overall, a well researched and well written book.

[Ali Ilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best historical books I’ve ever read. The writing is exquisite, I felt completely immersed into the story.

In this book, David Cornell sheds light on how the battle of Bannockburn came about, the battle itself and the aftermath of the battle, whilst providing the perspectives of the Scots and the English.

Towards the end of the 13th century, the Kingdom of Scotland entered a period of uncertainty. King Alexander III had died, leaving his wee 6-year-old granddaughter Margaret, Maid of Norway, as the heir to the throne. As Margaret wasn’t ready to take the throne, the kingdom was governed by a group of regents, generally known as the Guardians of Scotland.

The Guardians signed a treaty with the English, then ruled by King Edward I, a treaty to secure the independence of Scotland, and the marriage of Margaret and Edward I’s son, Edward II, to secure the accession of Margaret to throne whilst maintaining the independence of Scotland.

However, Margaret died not long after the treaty was signed. This sparked a battle for the Scottish crown, with Robert the Bruce and John Balliol being the prominent individuals. Wanting to avoid a civil war, the Guardians seek the help of Edward I of England to calm the situation down. Edward I intervening into matters of the Scottish crown made things worse, as Edward I realised that Scotland was there for the taking.

From the end of the 13th century and throughout the 14th century, the Scots and the English enjoyed a wonderful relationship. There were raids in areas near the border, attempts of invasion in both kingdoms, betrayals, political struggles within both kingdoms.

David Cornell’s writing brought this part of history magnificently to life.

[Arines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad to read this before I read The Viper cause fuck you Edward I 😭