Bannockburn

Bannockburn , moor and parish, Stirling, central Scotland, on the Bannock River. Textiles are manufactured in the parish. In 1314 on the moor, a Scottish army of 10,000 led by Robert Bruce routed 23,000 English under Edward II, thus climaxing Robert's struggle for Scottish independence and establishing him as king of the Scots.

Bannockburn Town and moor in central Scotland, scene of a Scottish victory over the English in 1314. The English army of Edward II, advancing on Stirling, was intercepted by Scottish troops under Robert I (the Bruce). The Scots held a dominant position above the Bannock burn, while the more heavily armed English floundered in swampy ground. Fighting began at dawn, and before noon the English survivors fled. Although conflict continued for many years, the victory secured Scottish independence from the English, who made no serious effort to regain territory in Scotland.

Bannockburn Stir. Bannockburn 1314, Bannokburne 1654. ‘(Place on the) Bannock Burn’. OE burna. The Celtic river name means ‘peaked, horned’, referring to the hill from which the stream flows.