We fight not for
glory, nor for wealth, nor honor
but only and alone we
fight for freedom
which no good man
surrenders but with his life.
For centuries the fields of Scotland
have been scene for hundreds of battles and wars, but in 1314 AD the most
important battle for Scottish independence was fought on the fields of Bannockburn. On June 23rd King Robert the Bruce
of Scotland led
his army of Scottish patriots to face the significantly larger forces of King
Edward II of England
and on June 24th soundly defeated him.
Today, that battlefield is still
simply a field, but it is well worth visiting.
Overlooking the battlefield is a statue of Robert the Bruce and if you
look into the distance (usually to the right) you can see Stirling
Castle, which was under siege by
the Scots when the English arrived.
Inside the Heritage Center
you can get a glimpse of the major events that led up to and followed the
Battle of Bannockburn.
Stirling Castle from the Battlefield
Over 400 years and a hundred and
forty miles to the north lies another important battlefield, Culloden. Here the Scots and English faced off
again. The Scots were rebelling against
the German Hanoverian dynasty that was ruling England
and Scotland at
the time and were trying to restore the former Stewart dynasty. However, the Scots under Bonnie Prince
Charlie were soundly defeated and the Scottish way of life changed forever,
though some freedom was returned in the late 1990s.
A visitor center now sits on the
edge of the battlefield and offers a interesting and sometimes graphic glimpse
of what happened that day. Outside the
battlefield has been kept close to look like it did on the day of the tragic
defeat. One major difference is that the
battlefield is now dotted with shrubs and heather instead of being a grazing
ground, but the treacherous moor land
can still be seen in various spots if you know what to look for.
Scotland
is full of stories of victory and defeat.
It is a country that is constantly struggling to be its own “person.” Perhaps one day it will, but until that day
the memories of the brave men and their families who suffered and died will
long be remember. Take time to visit
these places, learn about their history, and pay honor a brave people’s fight
for freedom.
The Battlefield...at least part of it
Mass Clan Graves, several of dozens
Thatched house built on the site of a former house
used during the battle by the Government forces
Please do not use any of these pictures without permission.
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