BattlefieldsSiege of Norham Castle 1318
Medieval

Siege of Norham Castle 1318

1318
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Bruce besieges Norham 1318 · Norham Castle Scottish siege 1318
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (Bruce)
Forces
English garrison of Norham Castle
VS
Victor
England (Norham garrison held)
Forces
Bruce with Scottish siege force
Outcome
Bruce besieged Norham Castle — the Bishop of Durhams border fortress — but could not take it; the castles massive walls resisted the Scottish siege
The Battle

History & Significance

Norham Castle was the principal English fortress on the eastern border, dominating the lowest Tweed crossing. Bruce besieged it in 1318 after capturing Berwick but could not take it. Norhams walls — massively strengthened by the Bishops of Durham — were too strong for the Scottish force without heavy siege artillery. The castle would be besieged again in 1327. Its continued English possession was a thorn in Scotlands eastern border strategy throughout the war.

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