BattlefieldsBattle of Sark 1448
Medieval

Battle of Sark 1448

1448
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Also known as: Sark 1448 · Scottish victory on the Sark 1448
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Percy and Neville border forces)
Forces
English raiding force c.6,000
VS
Victor
Scotland (Hugh Douglas, Earl of Ormond)
Forces
Scottish border force under Douglas c.4,000
Outcome
Scottish victory; English border force routed at the River Sark near Gretna; last major Scottish victory before the decline of the Douglas earls
The Battle

History & Significance

A large English border force crossed the Sark and was destroyed by the Scots under Hugh Douglas. The victory was one of the last military successes of the Black Douglas earls before James II moved to destroy them. It halted a period of English raiding and confirmed Douglas prestige on the borders — ironically increasing their power and independence to the point where James II felt compelled to act against them. The Sark was the last major battle the Black Douglases won in service of the Scottish crown.

Casualties & Losses

Heavy English losses; Percy and Neville retinue forces routed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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