BattlefieldsSiege of Edinburgh Castle 1341
Medieval

Siege of Edinburgh Castle 1341

1341
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: William Douglas takes Edinburgh Castle 1341
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English garrison
Forces
English garrison: c.100–150
VS
Victor
Scotland (William Douglas)
Forces
Scottish attackers: c.300–500
Outcome
Edinburgh Castle retaken by stratagem; English expelled from Edinburgh
The Battle

History & Significance

William Douglas recaptured Edinburgh Castle from the English garrison using a stratagem — disguising Scottish soldiers as merchants delivering wine to the garrison. When the gates were opened the hidden soldiers overpowered the guards. The recovery of Edinburgh Castle was a major patriot success during the difficult years of the Second War of Independence and encouraged David II's return from France later that year.

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