BattlefieldsBattle of Bothwell Bridge
English Civil War

Battle of Bothwell Bridge

1679
Lanarkshire, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Bothwell Brig
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Lanarkshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Covenanters
Forces
Covenanters c.5,000. Major defeat of divided Covenanting army.
VS
Victor
Government (Monmouth / Dalziel)
Forces
Government c.4,000
Outcome
Government victory; Covenanting army destroyed; 1,200 prisoners marched to Edinburgh
The Battle

History & Significance

The Duke of Monmouth crushed the Covenanting army at Bothwell Bridge. The Covenanters were hopelessly divided — arguing theology while the government prepared to attack. Around 1,200 prisoners were marched to Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh where they were held for months in terrible conditions. The "Greyfriars Martyrs" became a defining image of the Killing Time.

Casualties & Losses

c.700 killed; c.1,200 captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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