BattlefieldsLords of the Congregation — Edinburgh Seizure 1559
Tudor

Lords of the Congregation — Edinburgh Seizure 1559

1559
Scotland
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
French garrison
Forces
French garrison in Leith
VS
Victor
Lords of the Congregation
Forces
Lords of the Congregation with c.5,000 troops
Outcome
Protestant lords occupied Edinburgh; Mary of Guise retreated to French garrison at Leith
The Battle

History & Significance

The Protestant Lords of the Congregation marched on Edinburgh in October 1559 and seized the capital, deposing Mary of Guise as regent for a second time. French troops in Leith were temporarily unable to respond. The lords published the deposition of Mary of Guise and appointed a Council of Regency. The occupation of Edinburgh was the decisive political-military act of the Scottish Reformation crisis. It forced France and England both to respond militarily, culminating in the siege of Leith the following year.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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