BattlefieldsBattle of the Field of Shirts 1544
Tudor

Battle of the Field of Shirts 1544

1544
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Also known as: Blar na Leine main engagement 1544 · Battle of Lochy 1544 — Fraser detail
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Frasers (Lord Lovat)
Forces
c.700 Clan Ranald MacDonalds
VS
Victor
Clan Donald (MacDonalds of Clan Ranald)
Forces
c.500 Frasers
Outcome
Decisive MacDonald victory; Lord Lovat and most Fraser men killed; called the bloodiest clan battle
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of the Field of Shirts (Blar na Leine) on the shores of Loch Lochy was fought in fierce summer heat, causing both sides to strip off their outer garments. The MacDonalds of Clan Ranald annihilated the Fraser force; Lord Lovat and his heir were killed along with most of the Fraser fighting men. Contemporaries called it the bloodiest inter-clan battle ever fought. The Fraser clan took a generation to recover.

Casualties & Losses

Lord Lovat and c.300 Frasers killed; MacDonald losses also heavy

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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