BattlefieldsBattle of Newburn Ford — Scottish Covenanting Army enters England 1640
English Civil War

Battle of Newburn Ford — Scottish Covenanting Army enters England 1640

1640
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Newburn 1640 · Scots cross the Tyne 1640
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Viscount Conway)
Forces
English force c.3,000 under Conway
VS
Victor
Scotland (Alexander Leslie)
Forces
Scottish Covenanting army c.20,000
Outcome
Scottish Covenanting army crossed the Tyne at Newburn, dispersed the English force attempting to hold the ford, and occupied Newcastle
The Battle

History & Significance

The Scottish Covenanting army crossed the River Tyne at Newburn and defeated the English force holding the ford with artillery fire and cavalry. It was the last battle between Scottish and English armies before the Civil War — and the Scots won decisively. The occupation of Newcastle cut off London's coal supply. Charles I was forced to summon Parliament to pay for a new army. The Long Parliament, once summoned, proved impossible to dissolve and the Civil War followed. Scotland's military victory at Newburn triggered the English Revolution.

Casualties & Losses

c.60 English killed; Scottish losses minimal

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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