Edward II

On 11 August 1315, Edward II of England stopped at St Albans and could not find bread for himself or his household. Three years of ruined harvests followed, killing perhaps a tenth of Northern Europe. The richest continent on earth was, within living memory of its own kings, unable to feed itself.

On 23 June 1314, Robert the Bruce held a council of war. His commanders urged retreat. Instead, he advanced his schiltrons into the English cavalry and won the battle everyone said he couldn't. Scotland wasn't free yet, but it was no longer losing.