BattlefieldsTrot of Turiff
English Civil War

Trot of Turiff

1639
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Turiff 1639
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Covenanters
Forces
Covenanters c.100–250
VS
Victor
Royalists (Gordon / Huntly)
Forces
Royalists (Gordon) c.150–300
Outcome
Royalist skirmish victory; regarded as first blood of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms
The Battle

History & Significance

A small skirmish between Royalist Gordons and a Covenanting force at Turiff is often cited as the very first military engagement of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms — preceding the English Civil War by three years. The Covenanters were surprised and chased through the town. The "Trot of Turiff" earned its name from the speed of the Covenanting retreat.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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