BattlefieldsSiege of Edinburgh Castle 1296
Medieval

Siege of Edinburgh Castle 1296

1296
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Edward I takes Edinburgh Castle 1296 · Fall of Edinburgh Castle 1296
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (Edinburgh garrison)
VS
Victor
England (Edward I)
Outcome
Edinburgh Castle surrendered to Edward I after a brief siege; the castle and its treasury fell to the English
The Battle

History & Significance

Edinburgh Castle fell to Edward I within days of his assault in the spring of 1296, the same campaign that sacked Berwick and destroyed the Scottish army at Dunbar. The garrison, knowing the wider Scottish military position was hopeless, offered little sustained resistance. Edward garrisoned the castle and used it as an administrative base. Its swift loss illustrated the complete collapse of organised Scottish resistance in 1296 and why Wallaces later recovery of it was so significant.

Forces Involved

English siege force; small Scottish garrison

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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