Today in History: Robert the Bruce Defeats Edward II

On this day (October 14) in 1322 Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeated Edward II of England at the Battle of Old Byland. Robert had attempted to capture Edward II at Rievaulx Abbey but was confronted by a force under the command of John of Brittainy. Robert drove John off the high ground by charging against him uphill while a force of highlanders scaled the cliffs behind John and attacked from the rear. The English force was routed and Edward forced to flee Rievaulx.