Murray, Andrew

views updated

Murray, Andrew (d. 1297). An undeservedly unsung hero of the Scottish Wars of Independence, he came to the fore in 1297, when most prominent Scots had submitted to Edward I. He master-minded widespread risings in northern Scotland, advanced south with his supporters, and joined forces with William Wallace. Together they brilliantly exploited English tactical errors at the battle of Stirling Bridge (11 September 1297) by waiting until the enemy had begun to cross the bridge over the river Forth, and then pouncing to massacre the vanguard while the rest watched helplessly from the other bank. This was the first full-scale defeat inflicted by the Scots in battle with the English since the early 11th cent., and vital in keeping the cause of Scottish independence alive. Wallace went on to invade northern England, but Murray was soon dead, apparently from wounds sustained at Stirling.

Keith J. Stringer

More From encyclopedia.com