BattlefieldsArmstrong reiver raid — Gilnockie to Eskdale 1530
Tudor

Armstrong reiver raid — Gilnockie to Eskdale 1530

1530
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Also known as: Johnnie Armstrong reiver period raid 1530 · Eskdale reiver action 1530
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Dumfriesshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English border settlers of Eskdale
Forces
English border settlers
VS
Victor
Armstrong clan
Forces
Armstrong mounted reivers c.100-300
Outcome
Armstrong reivers raided deep into Eskdale and beyond, lifting cattle and burning settlements before returning north of the border
The Battle

History & Significance

The Armstrong clan of Liddesdale were the most feared reivers on the Anglo-Scottish border in the early sixteenth century. Johnnie Armstrong of Gilnockie reputedly commanded 3,000 horsemen and raided as far south as Newcastle. James V eventually lured Johnnie Armstrong to a meeting with a safe conduct — then hanged him in 1530. The Armstrong raids this year represented the peak of reiver power before royal suppression began.

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