BattlefieldsLewis crofter resistance Bernera 1874
modern

Lewis crofter resistance Bernera 1874

1874
Scotland
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
estate factor Donald Munro and the Matheson estate administration.
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Bernera crofting community marching on Stornoway
Outcome
Crofter leaders tried and acquitted. Factor Munro's authority undermined. The Bernera march was the first organised crofter resistance on Lewis and a precursor to the Crofters War of the 1880s.
The Battle

History & Significance

Bernera crofters on Lewis marched on Stornoway Castle to confront Sir James Matheson estate factor Donald Munro in the first major organised crofter resistance on Lewis. The march followed the unjust removal of grazing rights. Three crofter leaders were arrested and charged with deforcing sheriff officers but acquitted at trial.

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