BattlefieldsBattle of Arbroath 1446
Medieval

Battle of Arbroath 1446

1446
Angus, Scotland
Also known as: Arbroath 1446 · Lindsay-Crawford feud battle
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Angus, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Crawford clan
Forces
Crawfords c.1,500–2,500.
VS
Victor
Lindsay clan
Forces
Lindsays c.1,500–2,500
Outcome
Clan feud resulted in pitched battle between Lindsay and Crawford factions near Arbroath; hundreds killed
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Arbroath was one of the bloodiest private clan battles of fifteenth-century Scotland. The feud between the Lindsay and Crawford clans reflected the weakness of royal authority during James II's minority. Such clan battles were a Scottish equivalent of the English border reiver culture — organised private warfare conducted by powerful noble families who felt sufficiently strong to act outside royal law. James II's eventual assertion of royal authority over the nobility was partly a response to such lawlessness.

Casualties & Losses

Hundreds killed; Crawford power weakened

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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