The Hammer of the Scots

The History and Legacy of Edward Longshanks' Conquest of Scotland

De: Charles River Editors

Narrado por: Gabrielle Byrne

"By God, Sir Earl, either go or hang." - Edward Longshanks

From their very beginnings, England and Scotland fought each other. Emerging as unified nations from the early medieval period, their shared border and related aristocracy created endless causes of conflict. Every century from the 11th to the 16th was colored by such violence, and there were periods when not a decade went by without some act of violence marring the peace. Out of all of this, the most bitterly remembered conflict is Edward I's invasion during the late 13th century.

Eventually beaten back after Edward's death at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, this was the period of some of Scotland's greatest national heroes, including William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. It still resonates in the Scottish national memory, all the more so following its memorable but wildly inaccurate depiction in the 1995 film Braveheart, which had Scottish audiences cheering in cinemas.

Though the fondly remembered heroes of this war are Scottish, the man who defined it was an English monarch, a man whose ruthless efficiency and brutality would earn him the title Hammer of the Scots. This was, for better or for worse, Edward I's war.

©2012 Charles River Editors (P)2015 Charles River Editors

A Good Introduction

Thia was a solid introduction to the subject of one of the more interesting periods in British history. As one who reenacts the era, I found it rather rudimentary. But, to those new to the subject, it is a great starting point.

Brief and superficial

Not terrible, and probably fine if you want a superficial overview of this piece of history. Sound quality is not great, and the narrator seems oddly happy all the time.

Amazing history 1100-1320 Scotlamd vs England

Narrator has accent that took me time to grow accustomed to. Amazing history of Rpbert the Bruce and Edward Wallace on their fight against King Edward I and later King Edward II. Stirling bridge was most memorable point, a great victory by the Scotts.