BattlefieldsFirst Bishops War — Skirmish at Kelso 1639
English Civil War

First Bishops War — Skirmish at Kelso 1639

1639
Roxburghshire, Scotland
Also known as: Kelso skirmish First Bishops War 1639 · Scots raid at Kelso 1639
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Roxburghshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English advance forces
Forces
English cavalry under Holland, c.3,000 each
VS
Victor
Covenanters
Forces
Scottish cavalry
Outcome
Covenanting cavalry probed English positions at Kelso; English horse under Lord Holland routed after brief skirmish
The Battle

History & Significance

The Kelso skirmish showed the military superiority of the Covenanting cavalry over English forces in the First Bishops War. Lord Holland led English cavalry toward Kelso but retreated when confronted by Scottish horse. The rout — such as it was — further undermined English morale and contributed to Charles I's decision to negotiate rather than fight.

Casualties & Losses

Small English losses

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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