BattlefieldsCapture of William the Lion at Alnwick 1174
Medieval

Capture of William the Lion at Alnwick 1174

1174
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Alnwick 1174 · Capture of William I
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (William I the Lion)
Forces
Scottish escort: c.30–100.
VS
Victor
England (Yorkshire knights)
Forces
Yorkshire knights: c.50–150
Outcome
William the Lion captured while charging English cavalry; Scotland humiliated by Treaty of Falaise
The Battle

History & Significance

William the Lion had invaded England to recover Northumberland. While conducting a chevauchee near Alnwick with a small mounted escort, he was surprised in a fog by English knights from the castle. He was unseated from his horse and captured. The Treaty of Falaise that followed made William Henry II's vassal and required Scotland to surrender key castles — the greatest humiliation of any Scottish king before the Wars of Independence. Richard I released William from the treaty in 1189 for 10,000 marks to fund the Third Crusade.

Casualties & Losses

William the Lion captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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