BattlefieldsBattle of Halidon Hill 1333
Medieval

Battle of Halidon Hill 1333

1333
Berwickshire, Scotland
Also known as: Halidon Hill 1333 · English defeat of Scots at Berwick 1333
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Berwickshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (Archibald Douglas, Guardian)
Forces
English army c.9,000 with longbowmen
VS
Victor
England (Edward III)
Forces
Scottish relief army c.15,000
Outcome
Devastating English victory; Scottish army destroyed by longbow fire; Guardian Douglas and most of the Scottish nobility killed
The Battle

History & Significance

One of Scotland's worst defeats. Edward III besieged Berwick and the Scots attempted to relieve it. Like Falkirk, the schiltrons were broken by English archers firing downhill from Halidon Hill. Five Scottish earls and the Guardian of Scotland Archibald Douglas were killed. The young David II was sent to France for safety. The Balliol claimant Edward Balliol briefly became king with English support. Scotland descended into a second occupation from which Bruce's son would take a decade to recover.

Casualties & Losses

Estimated 4,000-10,000 Scots killed including five earls

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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