BattlefieldsBattle of Redesdale 1138
Medieval

Battle of Redesdale 1138

1138
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Scottish raid through Redesdale 1138
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbrian defenders
Forces
Northumbrian c.300–600; skirmish.
VS
Victor
Scotland (Scottish raiders)
Forces
Scotland c.800–1,500
Outcome
Scottish force passed through Redesdale; local resistance overwhelmed
The Battle

History & Significance

The great Scottish invasion of 1138 under David I saw raiding columns pass through Redesdale — the valley of the upper Rede — committing atrocities that were recorded with horror by English chroniclers. The Galwegian troops in particular were noted for extreme brutality toward the civilian population. Reports of women and children being killed on spear points shocked contemporaries and contributed to the image of the Scots as barbaric in southern English writing.

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