BattlefieldsSack of Hexham Priory 1297
Medieval

Sack of Hexham Priory 1297

1297
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Wallace burns Hexham 1297 · Scottish burning of Hexham 1297
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Hexham Priory and town
VS
Victor
Scotland (Wallace)
Outcome
Wallaces autumn 1297 raid burned Hexham and the surrounding town; the priory church was reportedly threatened
The Battle

History & Significance

During the autumn 1297 raid into Northumberland, Wallaces forces reached Hexham. The priory town was burned. English chronicle accounts describe the monks of Hexham confronting the Scottish army with relics of St Cuthbert — apparently successfully deterring them from burning the church itself. Whether the story is true or not, the burning of Hexham town was a major act of violence against one of northern Englands most important ecclesiastical centres and intensified English popular hatred of Scotlands leaders.

Forces Involved

Scottish raiding force under Wallace; no English military defence

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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