BattlefieldsCleanse the Causeway Edinburgh 1520
Tudor

Cleanse the Causeway Edinburgh 1520

1520
Scotland
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Arran and Hamilton
Forces
Arran and Hamilton c.400
VS
Victor
Angus and Douglas
Forces
Angus and Douglas c.500
Outcome
Douglas victory; Hamilton men massacred in the High Street; Arran fled
The Battle

History & Significance

The most famous street battle in Edinburgh history. Arran and the Hamilton family clashed violently with the Earl of Angus and the Douglas clan on the High Street. After an abortive meeting to discuss political control of government, the Hamiltons were ambushed by Douglas men who had been concealed in closes and wynds along the Royal Mile. Arran fled on horseback, losing his foot soldiers to massacre. Gavin Douglas the poet directed Douglas reinforcements from St Giles. The episode established Douglas supremacy in Edinburgh for years.

Questions & Answers

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