BattlefieldsMaxwell-Johnstone feud — Lochmaben skirmish 1547
Tudor

Maxwell-Johnstone feud — Lochmaben skirmish 1547

1547
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Also known as: Maxwell raid on Johnston territory 1547
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Johnstons
Forces
Johnston pursuit force
VS
Victor
Maxwells
Forces
Maxwell raiding party c.200
Outcome
Maxwell clansmen raided Johnston lands around Lochmaben and lifted substantial cattle
The Battle

History & Significance

The Maxwell-Johnstone feud was one of the defining conflicts of Dumfriesshire. Lasting for generations and culminating in the Battle of Dryfe Sands in 1593, it involved dozens of raids, counter-raids and murders. This mid-century clash was typical of the pattern — large-scale cattle lifting backed by armed force, turning into a firefight when the Johnstons attempted pursuit. March Wardens from both sides of the border were powerless to suppress the feud.

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