BattlefieldsFinal MacWilliam Revolt 1230
Medieval

Final MacWilliam Revolt 1230

1230
Angus, Scotland
Also known as: Last MacWilliam rising 1230 · Infant MacWilliam executed 1230
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Angus, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
MacWilliam claimants
Forces
MacWilliam claimants c.500–1,000.
VS
Victor
Scotland (Alexander II)
Forces
Scottish royal forces c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
MacWilliam line extinguished; infant girl killed at Forfar market cross
The Battle

History & Significance

The final MacWilliam revolt of 1230 was crushed with shocking brutality. An infant girl -- reportedly the last surviving member of the MacWilliam line -- was brought to Forfar and had her head dashed against the market cross. The act, recorded by contemporaries with some horror even for the age, was designed to extinguish the claimant line permanently. Whether the child was indeed a MacWilliam is debated, but the extinction of the dynastic threat was complete. The MacWilliam revolts had lasted from 1179 to 1230.

Casualties & Losses

MacWilliam infant killed; adult rebels executed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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