BattlefieldsBruce's Women Captured at Tain 1306
Medieval

Bruce's Women Captured at Tain 1306

1306
Ross-shire, Scotland
Also known as: Seizure of Bruce's family at Tain · Lady Bruce captured at St Duthac's
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Ross-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (Queen Elizabeth, Marjorie Bruce, Mary Bruce)
Forces
Scottish royal party c. 50–150.
VS
Victor
England (Earl of Ross)
Forces
English force c. 500–1,500
Outcome
Bruce's queen, daughter and sisters captured; imprisoned in England for years
The Battle

History & Significance

After Kildrummy fell, Bruce's queen Elizabeth de Burgh, his daughter Marjorie, his sisters Mary and Christina, and the Countess of Buchan (who had crowned Bruce) fled north toward the sanctuary of St Duthac's shrine at Tain. The Earl of Ross violated sanctuary and seized them. Elizabeth and Marjorie were imprisoned in England; Mary Bruce and the Countess of Buchan were put in cage-like structures hung from castle walls — particularly brutal treatment. All were held until the prisoners exchange after Bannockburn.

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