BattlefieldsFlodden — James IV Centre Battle 1513
Tudor

Flodden — James IV Centre Battle 1513

1513
Northumberland, England
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland
Forces
Surrey with c.15,000 bills and archers
VS
Victor
England
Forces
James IV with c.12,000 pikemen
Outcome
Scottish centre destroyed; James IV killed; English victory complete
The Battle

History & Significance

James IV personally led the great Scottish centre battle with the pike. His division descended the hill and closed with Surrey's main battle. The Scottish pikes, wet and unwieldy on the slopes, were outfought by the English bill — a shorter weapon better suited to close quarters. James fought on foot with his men and was killed within a spear length of Surrey himself, along with 9 earls, 14 lords, an archbishop, two bishops, and some 10,000 men. It was the last time a Scottish king led a charge in battle.

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