BattlefieldsMaxwell-Johnston feud — Battle near Lochmaben 1593
Tudor

Maxwell-Johnston feud — Battle near Lochmaben 1593

1593
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Also known as: Maxwell Johnston feud · Dryfe Sands 1593
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Maxwell clan
Forces
Maxwells c.300–500.
VS
Victor
Johnston clan
Forces
Johnstones c.400–600
Outcome
Johnston clan defeated and killed Lord Maxwell in a major inter-clan battle near Lockerbie; hundreds killed
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Dryfe Sands was the bloodiest inter-clan engagement in the Scottish Borders since the Wars of Independence. Lord Maxwell, warden of the West March, was killed along with hundreds of his kinsmen. The Johnstons pursued the fleeing Maxwells and slaughtered many in the rout. The battle was the culmination of a decade-long feud that had made the West March ungovernable. James VI used the aftermath to impose royal authority on both clans.

Casualties & Losses

c.700 Maxwells killed; Lord Maxwell slain

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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