BattlefieldsFirst Bishops War — Covenanting Army Muster at Leith 1639
English Civil War

First Bishops War — Covenanting Army Muster at Leith 1639

1639
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Covenanter muster Leith 1639 · Leslie army assembles Edinburgh 1639
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Crown (strategic failure to prevent muster)
VS
Victor
Covenanters
Outcome
General Alexander Leslie assembled a Scottish Covenanting army of c.20,000 at Leith; well-supplied and disciplined force ready to march
The Battle

History & Significance

The Covenanting muster at Leith demonstrated that Scotland had an experienced military force capable of resisting Charles I. General Leslie had served in the Thirty Years War and his army was far better trained than anything Charles could quickly assemble. The speed and scale of the muster shocked English observers and proved decisive in the First Bishops War.

Forces Involved

Covenanting army c.20,000 under General Leslie

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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