BattlefieldsSiege of Wark Castle 1137
Medieval

Siege of Wark Castle 1137

1137
Northumberland, England
Also known as: David I besieges Wark 1137 · Scottish siege Wark-on-Tyne
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (David I)
Forces
English garrison: c. 200–400.
VS
Victor
England (Wark held out)
Forces
David I: c. 6,000–10,000
Outcome
Wark Castle resisted Scottish siege; English garrison received credit for stubborn resistance
The Battle

History & Significance

David I besieged Wark-on-Tyne as part of his systematic campaign to control the border region during the Anarchy. Wark was one of several Northumbrian castles that resisted Scottish siege. The English chronicler Aelred of Rievaulx praised the garrison's defence. David's inability to reduce all English border castles quickly showed the limits of Scottish siege capability even at the height of his power.

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