BattlefieldsFirst Bishops War — Edinburgh Castle Seized by Covenanters 1639
English Civil War

First Bishops War — Edinburgh Castle Seized by Covenanters 1639

1639
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Edinburgh Castle Covenanter seizure 1639 · Covenanters take Edinburgh Castle
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalist garrison
VS
Victor
Covenanters
Outcome
Edinburgh Castle seized by Covenanters before the First Bishops War proper began; royalist governor Lord Ettrick outwitted
The Battle

History & Significance

The seizure of Edinburgh Castle by the Covenanters in the early months of 1639 was achieved by stratagem rather than assault. The castle controlled Edinburgh and its artillery could dominate the city. By gaining the castle before Charles I could respond the Covenanters secured Scotland's most important fortress. This made Scotland effectively ungovernable by the Crown without a massive English military expedition.

Forces Involved

Covenanting surprise force; royalist governor

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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