BattlefieldsBattle of Ancrum Moor 1545
Tudor

Battle of Ancrum Moor 1545

1545
Roxburghshire, Scotland
Also known as: Ancrum Moor 1545 · Battle of Lilliard's Edge 1545
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Roxburghshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Sir Ralph Evers, Sir Brian Layton)
Forces
English raiding force c.3,000-5,000
VS
Victor
Scotland (Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus)
Forces
Scottish army c.1,000-3,000 under Angus
Outcome
Angus lured a large English raiding force into a trap on Ancrum Moor; English commanders Evers and Layton both killed; 800 English dead
The Battle

History & Significance

The finest Scottish success of the Rough Wooing period. Sir Ralph Evers had boasted to Henry VIII of killing over 10,000 Scots and burning 192 towns and villages. At Ancrum Moor, Angus feigned retreat to draw the English up onto unfavourable ground, then turned his schiltrons to face the pursuit. Scottish Border horsemen who had been riding with the English switched sides at the critical moment. Evers and Layton were both killed. Angus reportedly said of Evers: he sold me these lands too dear. A local legend tells of Lilliard, a woman who fought and died in the battle — a stone bears her supposed inscription.

Casualties & Losses

c.800 English killed including both commanders; c.1,000 prisoners

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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