BattlefieldsScots Army Crosses the Tyne — January 1644
English Civil War

Scots Army Crosses the Tyne — January 1644

1644
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Leven's army enters England 1644 · Scottish invasion of 1644
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalist pickets
VS
Victor
Scots (Leven)
Outcome
Scottish Covenanter army of 21,000 crossed the Tyne at Newburn January 1644; began march south to besiege York
The Battle

History & Significance

The crossing of the Tyne by the Scottish Covenanter army in January 1644 was the decisive strategic development of the northern Civil War. Twenty-one thousand Scots under Alexander Leslie, Earl of Leven, crossed into England in response to Parliament's Solemn League and Covenant treaty. Their entry transformed the military balance in the north. Within months, combined Scots and Parliamentary forces would besiege York and defeat Rupert at Marston Moor, breaking Royalist power in the north permanently.

Forces Involved

Scottish Covenanter army: c.21,000 foot and 3,000 horse

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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