Aschiltron (also spelledsheltron,sceld-trome,schiltrom, orshiltron) is a compact body of troops forming a battle array,shield wall orphalanx. The term is most often associated with Scottishpike formations during theWars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th and early 14th centuries.
The term dates from at least 1000 AD and derives fromOld English roots expressing the idea of a "shield-troop".[1] Some researchers have also posited this etymological relation may show the schiltron is directly descended from theAnglo-Saxonshield wall, and still others give evidence "schiltron" is a name derived from aViking circular formation (generally no fewer than a thousand fighters) in extremely close formation, intended to present an enemy's cavalry charge with an "infinite" obstacle (that is, a perimeter horses refuse to breach). Matters are confused by use of this term inMiddle English to clearly refer to a body of soldiers without reference to formation, including cavalry and archers.[2] The first mention of the schiltron as a specific formation of spearmen appears to be at theBattle of Falkirk in 1298.[3] There is, however, no reason to believe this is the first time such a formation was used and it may have had a long previous history in Scotland, as thePicts used to employ spears in block formation as the backbone of their armies.[4]
There are two recordedScottish instances of circular schiltrons:William Wallace's army at the 1298Battle of Falkirk, and an element ofThomas Randolph's forces on the first day of the 1314Battle of Bannockburn.[5]
The circular formation is essentially static. At Falkirk, the formation was fortified by driving stakes into the ground before the men, with ropes between.[6]Charles Oman describes the formation thus: "The front ranks knelt with their spear butts fixed in the earth; the rear ranks leveled their lances over their comrades heads; the thick-set grove of twelve foot spears was far too dense for the cavalry to penetrate."[7]
There are numerous accounts of rectilinear schiltrons – they were employed at the battles ofGlen Trool (1307), Bannockburn (the main battle),Myton (1319),Dupplin Muir (1332),Culblean (1335),Halidon Hill (1333),Neville's Cross (1346) andOtterburn (1388).[citation needed]
Unlike the circular schiltron, the rectilinear formation was capable of both defensive and offensive action. The offensive use of the schiltron is a tactical development credited toRobert the Bruce at Bannockburn. He had drilled his troops in the offensive use of the pike (requiring great discipline) and he was able to fight theEnglish forces on flat, firm ground suitable for their large force of cavalry. Bruce's new tactic was a response to a crushing defeat for the Scots at Falkirk when the first recorded use of the schiltron by a Scottish army failed in the face of a combination of conscriptedWelshlongbowmen, Englisharchers and Englishcavalry.[8]
Detailed descriptions of the formation are rare but those given by English chroniclers of Bannockburn demonstrate the essential features:
The term schiltron is also used byBarbour to describe English infantry at Bannockburn.[11] It is also used by the author of theLanercost Chronicle to describe the English spearmen at theBattle of Boroughbridge (1322).[12] In both cases, a rectilinear formation is being described, though that at Boroughbridge is curved, with its flanks bent back.
While doubtless a Scottish development, the schiltron fits into a Northern European context of infantry combat. Parallels with Scandinavian practice have already been drawn (seeEtymology above) and the multiple-ranked tightly packed infantry formations were standard across Europe during theMiddle Ages.[13]
Schiltron-like formations were also used by theWelsh troops at the battles ofOrewin Bridge (1282) andMaes Moydog (1295), although this tactic was generally unsuccessful for the Welsh.[14]
Perhaps the closest parallel is with the armies of medievalFlanders. Here too can be seen the deep blocks of fighting men, with rows of spears braced in the earth to resist cavalry. The greatest of their battles was possiblyCourtrai in 1302, where the Flemings destroyed a French army of knights and foot-soldiers.[15] The Flemings also made great use of a circular "crown-shaped" formation, similar to those used at Falkirk and Bannockburn.[16]
A similar square formation ("formação em quadrado") of pike-armed foot soldiers was used by the English-assisted Portuguese troops againstCastilian armies in the late 14th century atAljubarrota (1385).
Another example is during theBattle of Legnano (1176) between the Milanese Army against Federico Barbarossa, in defense of the Carroccio by the Milanese armies commanded by Guido da Landriano.
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