BattlefieldsDouglas Raid into Durham — Pre-Neville's Cross 1346
Medieval

Douglas Raid into Durham — Pre-Neville's Cross 1346

1346
England
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland
Forces
English northern host of approximately 12,000 men assembled in response
VS
Victor
England
Forces
Douglas vanguard of approximately 2,000 cavalry
Outcome
Douglas raiders reached County Durham; Archbishop of York assembled English response; Scottish army caught and defeated at Neville's Cross; David II captured; Douglas was among the few Scottish leaders to escape.
The Battle

History & Significance

In the days before the Battle of Neville's Cross in October 1346, the vanguard of the Scottish army under William Douglas raided into County Durham, burning settlements and approaching within a few miles of the cathedral city. This raid provoked the English response that led to the battle — the northern English lords, including the Archbishop of York who led them, confronted the Scottish army on Neville's Cross ridge just west of Durham. The Douglas raid was the immediate military trigger for the battle that would result in King David II's capture.

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