BattlefieldsBattle of Byland 1322
Medieval

Battle of Byland 1322

1322
North Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Old Byland 1322 · Edward II routed at Byland Abbey 1322
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England (Edward II)
Forces
Edward II with English force retreating through Yorkshire
VS
Victor
Scotland (Robert the Bruce)
Forces
Bruce with Scottish army c.15,000
Outcome
Bruce ambushed and destroyed Edward IIs army near Byland Abbey; the English king barely escaped; the Earl of Richmond captured; the humiliation ended English military campaigning against Scotland
The Battle

History & Significance

Byland was the last major engagement of the First Scottish War of Independence before the truce that led to the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton. Edward II had invaded Scotland for the third time and was retreating through Yorkshire when Bruce cut off his retreat near Rievaulx Abbey. Scottish forces, under Douglas and Randolph, scaled a steep hillside held by the English rearguard and routed them. Edward was at dinner in Rievaulx and barely escaped. The Earl of Richmond was captured. The humiliation was absolute. Edward II never invaded Scotland again. The truce followed within a year.

Casualties & Losses

English force destroyed; Earl of Richmond and other commanders captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around North Yorkshire

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near North Yorkshire