BattlefieldsArmstrong clan raid — Gilnockie and the English West March
Tudor

Armstrong clan raid — Gilnockie and the English West March

1520–1530
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Also known as: Armstrong Border Raids · Gilnockie raids
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English West March settlers
Forces
English settlers c.50-150
VS
Victor
Armstrong clan
Forces
Armstrongs c.200-400
Outcome
Armstrong reivers raided repeatedly into Cumbria; livestock stolen; farms burned; English Warden unable to contain the violence
The Battle

History & Significance

John Armstrong of Gilnockie was the most powerful reiver chieftain of the early sixteenth century, controlling a force of 3,000 horsemen according to contemporary accounts. His raids into England were so systematic that English and Scottish authorities alike considered him a national threat. James V eventually lured Armstrong to a meeting in 1530 and had him hanged — an act that outraged the Borders and inspired one of the great Border ballads.

Questions & Answers

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