English longbows defeated William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk

The Battle of Falkirk stands as a pivotal moment in the Wars of Scottish Independence, marking the first major victory for the English longbow over the traditional Scottish pike. William Wallace, fresh from his triumph at Stirling Bridge, relied on schiltrons, which were dense, circular clusters of soldiers wielding long spears. These formations were virtually impenetrable to cavalry, acting like human fortresses that could withstand a direct charge from armored knights.