BattlefieldsBattle of Solway Moss — English West March Victory 1542
Tudor

Battle of Solway Moss — English West March Victory 1542

1542
Cumberland, Scotland
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Cumberland, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland
Forces
Scottish army of 15,000 to 18,000 foot and cavalry with disputed command
VS
Victor
England
Forces
English West March under Wharton — 3,000 horse
Outcome
Scottish army of 18,000 routed by 3,000 English; 1,200 Scottish nobles and gentry captured; enormous booty taken; James V died of shock within weeks; Scotland thrown into political crisis.
The Battle

History & Significance

On 24 November 1542, a large Scottish army of approximately 18,000 men crossed the Esk into England at the Solway Moss but collapsed without a serious battle when the English West March force under Sir Thomas Wharton attacked with approximately 3,000 men. The Scottish army disintegrated in the boggy ground of the Moss, unable to coordinate command because no agreed leader had been appointed. Over 1,200 Scottish lords and knights were captured including two earls, five lords, and 500 laird-class officers. James V, already ill, died within weeks on hearing the news, leaving Scotland governed by the regent for the infant Mary Queen of Scots.

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