Bannock Burn Heritage Centre
On 24 June 1314 the soggy bog land around Bannockburn witnessed the greatest victory in Scottish history, the battle of Bannockburn.
It was here that Robert the Bruce defeated a hugely superior English force under Edward II, turning the tide of the Wars of Independence in Scotland ’s favour.
On part of the battle site stands the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, an excellent exhibition centre befitting the importance of Bannockburn to Scottish heritage. Impressive video and visual displays tell the story of the great dramatic struggle of the Wars of Independence with all it’s intrigue and intertwined sub-plots. The events surrounding the battle are explained; the stalemated siege of Stirling Castle and how Robert the Bruce’s shrewd tactics and the stout bravery of the Scottish spearmen managed to thwart the English heavy cavalry and ultimately rout Edward II’s forces.
The centre also houses lifelike replications of weaponry and armour used in the battle and outside the centre on the Borestone site where Robert the Bruce commanded his troops into battle stands the stern figure of Robert the Bruce, dressed in full battle gear, mounted on a charger and armed with a fearsome looking battle axe.
This attraction is included in the Great British Heritage Pass.
