Randolph's Schiltron is tested by Bruce's Cavalry
In the Year of our Lord 2002, for the first time ever, the National Trust for Scotland decided to hold a large-scale re-enactment of the Battle of Bannockburn in order to raise funds for a new visitors centre. The event was organized primarily by Gerry Muldoon of the National Trust and Plantagenet Events but Alan Gault of Gaddgedlar was asked to raise the Scottish army for the weekend. It was a wet and windy day in late August as close to 270 re-enactors made their way to Bannockburn from all over the UK and even a few from the Continent. It appeared although the inclement weather could turn the event into a washout. However mother nature smiled upon us and we were treated to a beautiful weekend of sunshine.
The event was divided between a series of Arena displays and the main battle. The Arena displays were provided by Amnod Dracan who gave a display of the arms and armour of the English knights of the time, the Master of the Mews who gave a display of falconry, a group of Irish Archers (Whose name escapes me, if anyone knows please let me know!) who demonstrated the mediaeval bow and ourselves along with the other groups making up Randolph's Schiltron who gave a display of the weaponry of tactics of the Scottish army. Our display then evolved into a tableau where Robert the Bruce tested his Schiltrons with members of Keith's light cavalry. The majority of us had never faced cavalry before so this was an interesting experience. The sight of only a few horsemen thundering towards you is enough to make anyone question their devotion to the cause and you can only imagine what it must have been like to stand up to a real charge of several hundred horsemen. Another tableau that was acted out was the famous incident involving Robert the Bruce and Sir Henry de Bohun on the first day of fighting.
For those not familiar with the battle, the incident occurred when Bruce was inspecting his men. He was out in front of his lines wearing only light armour. Henry de Bohun, an English knight and nephew of the Earl of Northampton spotted the king and decided to seek out personal glory. Tilting his lance, he charged headlong at the Bruce. Bruce spotted de Bohun as he charged towards him and as de Bohun neared, side-stepped with his pony and clove de Bohuns helm in two with his axe, which shattered in his hands.
Another feature of the event was a 'Children's Battle' where about fifty children under ten were given pieces of insulation piping and set upon a few hapless re-enactors. Children can be so vicious! But one must remember never to raise your hands to them, it only exposes your groin!
The battle re-enactment itself revolved around the English attacking the Scottish Schiltrons, desperately trying to break the thickets of pikes and spears. There was some archery but as with the actual battle itself, it had very little effect. At the end of the day, the result stayed the same with a resounding Scottish Victory.
As well as the combat re-enactors, there were numerous traders selling historical wares ranging from bollock knives to beds. There was also a beer tent provided by the Heather Ale Company selling gravity poured real ale and a range of meads from the Scottish Mead Company. The selection of beverages on offer may not have been to everyone's tastes but it made at least one person very happy... :-)
All in all a good weekend was had by all. Visitor figures for the weekend were around 4000. The most serious injury of the weekend came after the second days fighting when someone damaged their ankle on a rabbit hole. Fortunately we had the services of the Welsh St John's Ambulance who know how to deal with re-enactment injuries and clothing. The only thing to seriously mar the weekend was the fact that footage taken by the BBC was used in a report on Anglo-Scottish Racism.
A big thanks goes out to all those re-enactors, traders, caterers and everyone else involved who made the weekend what it was. See you all for Bannockburn 2003 and please, tell your friends!
Pictures from the event can be found here
Want more Bannockburn??? Other reports of the weekend can be found here, here, here and here