BattlefieldsScottish Raid under Douglas — Yorkshire and Durham 1318
Medieval

Scottish Raid under Douglas — Yorkshire and Durham 1318

1318
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England
Forces
Yorkshire English forces scattered and unable to concentrate
VS
Victor
Scotland
Forces
James Douglas with approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Scottish cavalry
Outcome
Douglas raided across County Durham and into North Yorkshire; communities from Hexham to Ripon paid tribute or were burned; livestock in enormous quantities driven north; English lords in Yorkshire unable to mount effective resistance.
The Battle

History & Significance

The Black Douglas led one of the most far-reaching Scottish raids of the Wars of Independence in 1318, penetrating deep into Yorkshire and threatening the Midlands. The raid coincided with the recapture of Berwick by Scotland and demonstrated Bruce's ability to project military power simultaneously across multiple theatres. Yorkshire communities had believed themselves beyond the reach of Scottish raiding — the Douglas raid of 1318 shattered this illusion and created panic as far south as the Humber.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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