By early 1314, Robert the Bruce had spent years systematically reclaiming Scottish strongholds from English control. Only a few major fortresses remained in English hands, most notably . The castle's governor, Sir Philip Mowbray, had struck a deal with Bruce's brother, Edward: if an English relief force did not arrive by midsummer (June 24), the castle would be surrendered. Edward II could not ignore this challenge and assembled the largest army ever to invade Scotland to break the siege. The Armies and Strategy
Bruce chose the battlefield near the (stream) with extreme care, utilizing marshy ground and digging concealed anti-cavalry pits to funnel the English into a narrow, restricted area where their superior numbers would become a liability. The First Day: June 23, 1314 Bannockburn 1314: Robert Bruce's great victory ...
: Led by Robert the Bruce, numbering approximately 5,000 to 8,000 men , primarily disciplined pikemen organized into schiltrons (dense circles or blocks of spearmen). By early 1314, Robert the Bruce had spent
: Commanded by King Edward II, estimated at 13,000 to 25,000 men , including 2,000–3,000 heavily armored cavalry and thousands of longbowmen. Edward II could not ignore this challenge and