BattlefieldsBattle of Myton 1319
Medieval

Battle of Myton 1319

1319
North Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Myton-on-Swale 1319 · Chapter of Myton 1319 · White Battle 1319
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English clergy army (Archbishop of York)
Forces
English clergy-dominated army
VS
Victor
Scotland (Douglas and Moray)
Forces
Scottish cavalry force under Douglas and Randolph
Outcome
Scots routed a scratch English army largely composed of clergy attempting to relieve the siege of Berwick; called the Chapter of Myton for the number of monks killed
The Battle

History & Significance

While Edward II besieged Berwick in 1319, James Douglas and Thomas Randolph led a diversionary raid deep into England. The Archbishop of York desperately assembled an army from the local population — so many monks and priests joined that the battle was dubbed the Chapter of Myton. The Scots rode through them contemptuously. The English clergy army broke and fled; many drowned crossing the Swale. Edward II had to abandon the siege of Berwick to deal with the crisis.

Casualties & Losses

Estimated 4,000 English clergy and levy killed or drowned

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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