King Edward I of England’s invasion of Scotland in 1296 provoked a revolt led by William Wallace (died 1305), culminating in the Battle of Stirling Bridge. A narrow wooden bridge was the only way for the English forces on the south bank to cross the river Forth and engage with William Wallace’s army on the opposite bank. Outnumbered, the latter waited for some English knights to cross before pushing them against the riverbend and back towards the crowded bridge. The bridge collapsed, killing many English knights and horses. William Hole has made this dramatic moment the focus of his mural, one of eight key scenes from Scottish history on the first floor of the Great Hall in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery. The Battle of Stirling Bridge marked the first major Scottish victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence (1296-1357).