BattlefieldsBattle at Forfar 1230
Medieval

Battle at Forfar 1230

1230
Angus, Scotland
Also known as: MacWilliam infant executed Forfar 1230 · Suppression of MacWilliam revolt Forfar
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Angus, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
MacWilliam claimants
Forces
MacWilliam forces c.500–1,000.
VS
Victor
Scotland (Alexander II)
Forces
Scottish royal forces c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
Final MacWilliam supporters captured and killed; infant claimant publicly executed at Forfar
The Battle

History & Significance

The culminating act of the final MacWilliam revolt occurred at Forfar when the last members of the MacWilliam dynasty were brought before Alexander II or his officers. The execution of an infant girl at the market cross at Forfar was recorded by the Chronicle of Melrose with evident unease. Whether the child was truly a MacWilliam claimant or simply someone used as a pretext to make a political statement, the act was intended to make absolutely clear that the dynasty of Lulach through the MacWilliam line was permanently extinguished.

Casualties & Losses

MacWilliam claimants executed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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