BattlefieldsBruce Recovers Forfar Castle 1308
Medieval

Bruce Recovers Forfar Castle 1308

1308
Scotland
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English garrison
Forces
English garrison at Forfar
VS
Victor
Scottish forces under Robert Bruce
Forces
Philip Forester commanding Scottish escalade
Outcome
Forfar Castle captured and demolished; English presence in Angus eliminated; Bruce policy of slighting castles applied to prevent re-occupation
The Battle

History & Significance

Philip Forester captured Forfar Castle for Bruce in 1308 by means of escalade, reportedly after climbing the walls using notched poles. The castle was promptly demolished following Bruce's standard policy of slighting fortifications after capture. The recovery of Forfar consolidated Bruce's control of Angus and formed part of the systematic dismantling of English garrison infrastructure in eastern Scotland following the victory at Inverurie and the Harrying of Buchan.

Questions & Answers

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