BattlefieldsBattle of Kilsyth
English Civil War

Battle of Kilsyth

1645
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Era
English Civil War
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Stirlingshire, Scotland
Status
Registered · HES BTL13
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Covenanters (William Baillie, Earl of Balcarres)
Forces
Covenanters: approximately 7,000 foot (some sources suggest closer to 3,500) and 800 cavalry
VS
Victor
Royalists (Montrose's army, including Alasdair MacColla's Irish Brigade)
Forces
Royalists: approximately 3,000 foot and 500-600 cavalry
Outcome
Decisive Royalist victory; the largest battle of the civil wars fought in Scotland, temporarily made Montrose master of Scotland
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Kilsyth, fought on 15 August 1645 near Kilsyth, was an engagement of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The largest battle of the conflict in Scotland, it resulted in victory for the Royalist general Montrose over the forces of the Covenanter-dominated Scottish Parliament, and marked the end of General William Baillie's pursuit of the Royalists.

Confirmed battlefield location
Casualties & Losses

Royalists: light; Covenanters: approximately 4,500 killed, roughly three-quarters of their force

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: HES BTL13.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources