BattlefieldsBattle of Bothwell Bridge 1679
English Civil War

Battle of Bothwell Bridge 1679

1679
Lanarkshire, Scotland
Also known as: Bothwell Brig 1679 · Covenanting defeat at Hamilton 1679
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Lanarkshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Covenanters
Forces
Covenanting force c.6,000 irregulars
VS
Victor
Government (Duke of Monmouth / General Dalziel)
Forces
Government army c.10,000 professional troops
Outcome
Covenanting army of c.6,000 destroyed by professional troops; 400-700 killed; c.1,200 marched to Edinburgh and imprisoned in Greyfriars Kirkyard
The Battle

History & Significance

Three weeks after Drumclog, the Covenanting army — swollen to perhaps 6,000 but bitterly divided between moderates and extremists — was caught at Bothwell Bridge. The army spent the morning arguing theology while Monmouth prepared. A small group of Covenanters held the bridge heroically before being overwhelmed. The army then broke without significant fighting. The prisoners marched to Edinburgh and kept in Greyfriars Kirkyard through winter became the Greyfriars Martyrs. Bothwell Bridge ended organised armed Covenanting resistance.

Casualties & Losses

c.400-700 Covenanters killed; c.1,200 captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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