Battlefields›Battle of Sauchieburn 1488
Medieval

Battle of Sauchieburn 1488

1488
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Also known as: Sauchieburn 1488 · Battle near Bannockburn 1488 · Death of James III 1488
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Royalists (James III)
VS
Victor
Rebel lords (Home, Hepburn, Drummond)
Outcome
Rebel lords defeated the royal army; James III fled the field, fell from his horse and was murdered in a mill by an unknown assassin posing as a priest
The Battle

History & Significance

James III was one of the most unpopular Scottish kings — distrusted by his nobles, accused of favouring low-born companions, and widely rumoured to have tried to poison his own son. The rebel lords fought in the name of that son — the future James IV. The battle was fought near Bannockburn. James III fled, fell from his horse, and was killed in a mill at Milltown of Bannockburn by a man who claimed to be a priest. James IV wore an iron belt around his waist for the rest of his life as penance.

Casualties & Losses

James III killed; royalist army dispersed

Forces Involved

Rebel lords army c.5,000-18,000; royalist army similar strength

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Battle of Sauchieburn 1488

Doghillock, dun 700m N of
Scheduled monument · Iron Age · ~1.1 miles
Househill,enclosure and part of Roman camp 250m SSW of
Scheduled monument · Roman · ~2.2 miles
Hill of Dunipace, motte & burial ground
Scheduled monument · Medieval · ~2.4 miles
Hills of Dunipace, dovecote and remains of house 200m NE of
Scheduled monument · ~2.4 miles
Braes,fort 130m WNW of
Scheduled monument · Iron Age · ~2.5 miles
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