Source: “The Knights templar And Scotland”, By Robert Ferguson, The History Press, Brimscombe Port Stroud, Gloucestershire, 2011.
8. The Templars of Bannockburn.mp4
8. Bannockburn's Hidden Hand - Unearthing the Templar Theory and Bruce's Strategic Genius.m4a
This topic explores the highly debated question of whether the Knights Templar participated in the Battle of Bannockburn, acknowledging that definitive proof is elusive. It argues for their probable presence, highlighting Robert the Bruce's remarkable transformation from a fugitive to a formidable military leader through increasingly sophisticated tactics, such as the use of mobile schiltrons and innovative siege techniques. The text suggests that the unprecedented arming and training of Bruce's forces, despite Scotland's poverty, along with the strategic impact of a cavalry charge and the "small folk" from Gillies Hill that routed the English, points to Templar knowledge, skill, and wealth as a crucial contributing factor to the Scottish victory. Ultimately, the author invites the reader to weigh the circumstantial evidence and conclude on the Templars' involvement, emphasizing that their potential aid does not diminish Robert the Bruce's exceptional leadership.
Topic 1 The central question explored is whether the Knights Templar participated in the Battle of Bannockburn. The source states that no definitive answer exists, and historical records from 1314 or later chronicles about Robert the Bruce do not explicitly mention their presence. Despite this absence of direct evidence, the idea of Templar involvement has persisted as a myth and a hint from writers over the past 200-300 years. The purpose of the chapter is to construct an argument for their presence based on circumstantial evidence, leaving the final conclusion to the reader. This argument necessitates viewing the events surrounding the battle from a fresh perspective, which leads to new conclusions differing from previous historical accounts.
Topic 2 Robert the Bruce's exceptional leadership and military prowess are highlighted. He is described as one of the most formidable army commanders of his era, an extremely effective leader, planner, and motivator. His statue at Bannockburn is noted as accurately reflecting these qualities. Physical evidence from a forensic reconstruction of his head—revealing a broken cheekbone, a sword wound, a distended eye socket, and upper jaw damage—underscores his active participation as a warrior. The argument for Templar presence is presented as something that does not detract from Bruce's capabilities, but rather complements them.
Topic 3 Robert the Bruce's initial struggles and early pivotal victories are detailed. Following his coronation, he was essentially a fugitive with limited men and provisions, facing opposition from much of Scotland's nobility, particularly the Comyns. His campaign for independence began with a significant skirmish in March 1307 at Glen Trool. Leading a small force of 100 to 300 men, he surprised and ferociously attacked the Earl of Pembroke's 1,500 men, forcing them to retreat, a victory now memorialized by a monument. This was followed by another victory on May 10, 1307, at Loudon Hill. Here, with 600-700 men, Bruce skillfully chose the terrain, digging three ditches in a narrow area to disrupt Pembroke's 3,000-man force, again routing the English.
Topic 4 The timely death of Edward I, known as 'the Hammer of the Scots,' on July 11, 1307, proved advantageous for Robert the Bruce. Edward I's death led to the withdrawal of English forces, granting Bruce a much-needed period of respite. Later, in the autumn of 1307, coinciding with the arrests or flight of Templars from Philip IV in France, Bruce's troops, though numbering around 700, were exhausted from numerous skirmishes and battles. Bruce himself became severely ill, possibly near death, and spent the winter recovering at Inverurie. This period of illness and recovery for Bruce overlapped with the Templars' desperate search for sanctuary.
Topic 5 A significant hypothesis presented is that Templar refugees, fleeing persecution in France, sought sanctuary and joined Robert the Bruce in Scotland. It is suggested that upon reaching Scotland, these Templars would not have openly paraded in their distinctive white tunics with red crosses, given their fugitive status. Instead, they would have discreetly blended in with those sympathetic to Bruce's cause before revealing their identities and capabilities to his leaders. Circumstantial support for this comes from historical testimonies: Walter de Clifton testified at Holyrood that other Templars had fled due to the scandal against their order, and an English Templar during interrogation also stated that some English Templars had escaped to Scotland. A French historian further claimed that Templars "ranged themselves under the banners of Robert Bruce."
Topic 6 Bruce's resurgence in the late spring of 1308 marked a critical boost in morale for his forces. Despite being gravely ill, Bruce is said to have risen from his sickbed to lead an attack against the Earl of Buchan, who was harassing Bruce's soldiers and local villages near Old Meldrum. Legend holds that Bruce was so weak he needed two men to support him on his horse, but the mere sight of "The Bruce" in his mail was purportedly a key factor in the victory. Whether the legend is entirely accurate or not, this victory, following earlier successes like Glen Trool, significantly bolstered the belief in Bruce's capacity for ultimate victory. The attack was notably efficient and well-planned, leading the source to consider that the timing was right for Templars to have begun joining Bruce's ranks.
Topic 7 The period following the spring of 1307 saw an "astonishing reversal" in Robert the Bruce's fortunes. He transformed from a hunted fugitive to the ruler of two-thirds of Scotland. This remarkable change is primarily credited to Bruce's brilliant leadership and innovative tactics, and secondly to the Scottish Church, which provided crucial military intelligence. However, the source proposes a third significant reason: the potential influence of Templars who had fled to Scotland. If the belief in their presence is true, their expertise could well explain the rapid increase in the sophistication of Bruce's military methods, providing an additional layer of explanation for his dramatic successes.
Topic 8 Bruce's evolving military strategy moved beyond simple hit-and-run guerrilla warfare to sophisticated siege tactics. In January 1313, Perth fell to Bruce not through a prolonged siege, but by his soldiers swimming across the moat and scaling the castle walls using "specially made rope-ladders." This demonstrated a new level of planning and execution. Later, in September 1313, Linlithgow Castle was taken by deception. Bruce employed a method reminiscent of the Trojan Horse, concealing eight men within a hay wagon being taken through the gate. These men then seized the gate, holding it until the main force arrived, showcasing innovative stratagem.
Topic 9 Bruce's military ingenuity and the effectiveness of his commanders continued to be demonstrated in early 1314. In February, Sir James Douglas captured Roxburgh Castle on Shrove Tuesday. Sixty of Douglas's men, disguised as cattle, sneaked past guards, secured hooks and ladders to climb the walls, then opened the gates for the rest of their soldiers. With most of the English force celebrating, the castle was taken with little difficulty. Bruce himself captured Edinburgh in March using a major diversion: while his forces stormed the east gate, about thirty men led by Sir Thomas Randolph scaled the steep north face of the castle using rope ladders. After breaching the walls, they easily opened the gates. Following Edinburgh's capture, Stirling was the only major castle remaining in English hands, and its ongoing siege, led by Bruce's brother Edward, set the stage for the Battle of Bannockburn.