BattlefieldsScottish Ransom of Richmond 1318
Medieval

Scottish Ransom of Richmond 1318

1318
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Richmond town community
Forces
Richmond town community and district
VS
Victor
Scottish raiding forces
Forces
Scottish raiding forces
Outcome
Richmond town paid protection ransom; surrounding district looted; English administration unable to prevent extortion
The Battle

History & Significance

The town of Richmond in Swaledale paid ransom during Scottish incursions into the north in 1318. Richmond, with its strong Norman castle on the Swale, nonetheless saw its surrounding market town and agricultural hinterland subjected to Scottish extortion. The ransom payment illustrated that even significant fortified towns beyond the immediate border zone were vulnerable to Scottish raiding and could not rely on English governmental protection.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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