BattlefieldsRandolph raid on Lothian castles 1313
Medieval

Randolph raid on Lothian castles 1313

1313
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Thomas Randolph Lothian operations 1313
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English garrisons in Lothian
VS
Victor
Scotland (Thomas Randolph)
Outcome
Randolph systematically reduced English-held castles and outposts across Lothian using night escalades and surprise; Edinburgh Castle taken by a remarkable night climb
The Battle

History & Significance

Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray and Bruce's most trusted commander, conducted the systematic liberation of Lothian castles in the years before Bannockburn. His most famous exploit was the night scaling of Edinburgh Castle rock in 1313 using a rope ladder — guided by a soldier named William Francis who had previously climbed the same route to visit a girlfriend in Edinburgh. The castle fell without a fight after the walls were scaled in the dark.

Forces Involved

Randolph with c.30 men for the Edinburgh escalade; larger forces for other castle reductions

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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