Battle of Hastings

‘…The armies of England and Normandy engaged in a desperate battle near Hastings, and the victory was long obstinately contested. The Normans had a great advantage, from having amongst them large bands of archers, who used the long-bow, and greatly annoyed the English, who had but few bowmen to oppose them, and only short darts called javelins, which they threw from their hands, and which could do little hurt at a distance. Yet the victory remained doubtful, though the battle had lasted from nine in the morning until the close of the day, when an arrow pierced through King Harold's head, and he fell dead on the spot. The English then retreated from the field, and Duke William used his advantage with so much skill and dexterity, that he made himself master of all England, and reigned there under the title of William the Conqueror…’

From “Tales of a Grandfather” (first series) comes Walter Scott’s discussion of the Battle of Hastings, which took place on October 14, 1066.

Edward Bruce Killed in Battle of Faughart

'The Scottish chivalry;—
—With foot in stirrup, hand on mane,
Fierce Edward Bruce can scarce restrain
His own keen heart, his eager train,
Until the archers gain'd the plain ;
Then, "Mount, ye gallants free!"...'
 
The Bruces were known for their military skill, as Scott portrays in his poem "The Lord of the Isles".  The younger brother of Robert the Bruce helped his brother in Scotland, and was present at the Battle of Bannockburn.
 
A year after Bannockburn, the Bruces launched a campaign in Ireland to wrest it from English control, and open up war on two fronts against the British.  In part, their invasion was invited by the O'Neill King of Tir Eoghain, who later swore fealty to Edward Bruce.  Bruce was crowned King of Ireland in May 1318. The war was ongoing five months later, when the Battle of Faughart occurred.  Bruce's forces suffered a terrible defeat, with Edward losing his life, on October 14, 1318.