Card featuring the axe head uncivered at the Bannockburn Battle Field in Scotland. Important victory for the Scots during the Scottish Wars of Independance.
This card measures 13 cm by 18 cm and comes with a matching envelope. The inside is left blank, allowing you to write your own personalized message. The back contains a full description of the artefact.
You may even wish to frame this for your wall!
The Battle of Bannockburn, fought on 23-24 June 1314, was a pivotal moment in the Scottish War of Independence. Led by the resolute Robert the Bruce, the Scottish army, consisting of between 5,000 and 8,000 men, faced off against the formidable English forces commanded by King Edward II, whose numbers ranged between 20,000 and 25,000 men. The first day of the battle saw a dramatic moment when Robert the Bruce struck down Sir Henry de Bohun with a single axe swing. Small English parties crossed the Bannockburn to engage the Scottish, yet the day concluded without any decisive ground gained or lost.
On the second day, the English attempted to cross the Bannockburn but made a critical error in choosing their crossing point. They entered a small, enclosed area surrounded by the water, creating a trap. The Scottish forces seized this opportunity, ultimately securing victory as the English found themselves trapped between the burn and the determined Scottish warriors. In their desperate retreat, many English soldiers drowned, weighed down by their armor and weapons. The Scottish army suffered the loss of around 100 men, while the English lost approximately 3,000.
Among the relics of this historic battle is a battle axe, discovered near the Bannockburn and dating back to the time of the conflict. This artifact is currently housed in the National Museum of Scotland.
As an artist passionate about history and artifacts that tell their own stories, I chose this battle axe because it vividly brings to life the fierce struggle of the Scots against the English during an era when Kings and Lords wielded immense power. The determination, grit, and resilience of the Scottish people in preserving their heritage resonate deeply with me. This artifact symbolizes the enduring human spirit and the fight to protect one's homeland and culture—a struggle that continues around the world to this day.
Through my art, I seek to capture the essence of this historical battle and the craftsmanship of the artisans who created such remarkable weapons. Each brushstroke is a tribute to the stories embedded in these artifacts, celebrating the bravery and legacy of those who fought for their freedom.