The English army, which consisted of heavy cavalry, infantry and Welsh bowmen, started their way to Sterling in September 1297, planning to oppress the Scottish rebellion fast and easy. The leader of the Scotts – William Wallace, moved to “greet” the English army when he heard they were coming. They met at the banks of the Forth River.

At that time, the bridge over the Forth River was made of wood. It is mentioned, that is was so narrow, that only two people could cross it side by side. Nevertheless, the leaders of the English army – The Earl of Surrey and Hugh de Cressingham, decided that it was acceptable to cross the river by this bridge. The Scottish traitor, who server the Earl of Surrey, pointed out that there was a ford nearby where 60 people could easily cross the river side by side, but no one paid attention to his suggestions.

The Earl of Surrey started crossing the bridge on the morning of September 11th. When approximately half of his troops had already crossed the bridge, Wallace started the attack, sending strong troops to block the previously mentioned ford just in case. The Scotts rapidly descended from the hills and cut off the Englishmen, leaving them no other option but to flee. Panic ensured among the English troops and the discipline was lost. Much of the heavy cavalry fell from the bridge and met their fate in the waters of the river.

Surrey tried to improve the situation by sending considerable reinforcements under his personal banner. However, when the troops reached the bridge it collapsed and fell into the river. This had dire consequences for the English and many of the drowned in the river or had to swim across the river. Either way, they had lost the battle.