The Burnt Candlemas was Edward IIIs most destructive campaign in Scotland. In retaliation for the Scottish recovery of Berwick (briefly held in 1355), Edward devastated Lothian with exceptional thoroughness. Everything combustible was burned during the candlemas season of February 1356. The Scots avoided battle and watched from the hills. But the devastation was so complete that Edward III himself could not find food for his army and had to withdraw. Scotland was destroyed but not conquered. The campaign led directly to the Treaty of Berwick in 1357 which ransomed David II.
Lothian extensively burned; civilian population displaced
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