BattlefieldsCaithness Revolt and Murder of Bishop Adam 1222
Medieval

Caithness Revolt and Murder of Bishop Adam 1222

1222
Caithness, Scotland
Also known as: Bishop Adam of Caithness martyred 1222 · Caithness insurrection 1222
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Caithness, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Caithness rebels
Forces
c. 500–800 Caithness rebels
VS
Victor
Scotland (Alexander II retaliates)
Forces
c. 1,000–1,500 Scottish forces
Outcome
Bishop Adam burned in his kitchen; Alexander II punished the perpetrators brutally
The Battle

History & Significance

Bishop Adam of Caithness, who had tried to enforce the payment of tithes in the Norse-influenced province, was seized by an angry mob and burned alive in his kitchen. Alexander II's response was swift and savage -- he marched north personally and had the ringleaders mutilated: hands and feet cut off. The affair illustrated both the continuing tensions between Norse-influenced Caithness and Scottish royal authority, and Alexander II's determination to enforce it. Pope Honorius III canonised Adam of Caithness.

Casualties & Losses

Bishop Adam burned; rebels mutilated by royal order

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Caithness

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Caithness