BattlefieldsPerth Captured by Bruce 1313
Medieval

Perth Captured by Bruce 1313

1313
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Bruce takes Perth by night 1313 · Night assault on Perth 1313
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English garrison of Perth
Forces
English garrison of Perth under William de Mowbray
VS
Victor
Scotland (Robert the Bruce)
Forces
Bruce with Scottish force
Outcome
Bruce led a night assault on Perth, wading through the moat to scale the walls; the garrison was surprised and the town captured; walls demolished
The Battle

History & Significance

Bruce took Perth — one of the most important towns in Scotland and heavily garrisoned — by a remarkable personal act of leadership. After feigning retreat to lull the garrisons vigilance, Bruce returned by night and personally led his men across the moat, carrying a long ladder. He was the first over the wall. The English garrison was routed. Perth was demolished. Bruces willingness to personally lead the most dangerous assaults inspired extraordinary loyalty from his men. The fall of Perth effectively ended English control of central Scotland.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Perthshire

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Perthshire