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Susan Thomas's avatar

I think it's worth mentioning that Stirling Castle is set on the top of a huge volcanic plug - almost impossible to take, but vulnerable to siege and being starved out. That's why the English were not storming the ramparts as is usuall with attacks on a castle. Furthermore, Edward II was a poor substitute for his father. He had tremendous problems with mobilising troops and also with being trusted in the battlefield. He had unsuitable friends and alienated many of the the barons, his natural supporters. I think it's surprising that the battle lasted two days. King Robert was a masterful battlefield strategist and tactician, unlike his opponent. If it had been Edward I not Edward II, it might have been very different! Incidently, Edward II was the very first English Prince of Wales.

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