BattlefieldsTurnberry Castle Seized by Bruce 1307
Medieval

Turnberry Castle Seized by Bruce 1307

1307
Ayrshire, Scotland
Also known as: Bruce takes Turnberry 1307 · Turnberry raid 1307
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Ayrshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Turnberry garrison)
Forces
English garrison of Turnberry
VS
Victor
Scotland (Robert the Bruce)
Forces
Bruce with c.300 men from Arran
Outcome
Bruce raided and briefly held Turnberry Castle — his ancestral home — driving out the English garrison; the raid signalled his return to Carrick
The Battle

History & Significance

Shortly after landing in Carrick in February 1307, Bruce raided Turnberry Castle — his own ancestral stronghold which the English were using as a base. A spy named Cuthbert had signalled from the shore. Bruces men seized the lower town and drove the garrison into the keep, collecting substantial supplies. The raid announced Bruces return to Scotland with confidence. He could not hold Turnberry but the intelligence and supplies gained were vital for the opening of his campaign in Carrick and Galloway.

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