BattlefieldsWilliam Rufus Invades Scotland 1091
Early Medieval

William Rufus Invades Scotland 1091

1091
Northumberland, England
Also known as: William II marches to Scotland 1091 · English army confronts Malcolm 1091
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Malcolm III: c.3,000–5,000.
VS
Victor
Indecisive (treaty followed)
Forces
William Rufus: c.15,000–20,000
Outcome
William Rufus marched north with large army; Malcolm negotiated rather than fought
The Battle

History & Significance

William II of England (Rufus) personally led a large army north to confront Malcolm III after his fourth invasion. Malcolm wisely chose to negotiate rather than give battle against the assembled English force. The resulting Treaty of Durham was diplomatically favourable to Malcolm but the incident showed that England under the aggressive Rufus was prepared to fight for dominance of the north. The meeting between the two kings at Chester was formal but tense.

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