BattlefieldsScott and Ker clan feud — Melrose skirmish 1526
Tudor

Scott and Ker clan feud — Melrose skirmish 1526

1526
Roxburghshire, Scotland
Also known as: Scott of Buccleuch rescue of James V 1526 · Battle of Melrose 1526
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Roxburghshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scott of Buccleuch
Forces
Ker of Cessford and Douglas retinue
VS
Victor
Ker of Cessford
Forces
Scott of Buccleuch with c.600 borderers
Outcome
Scott of Buccleuch attempted to rescue the young James V from the control of the Douglas earl; fought off by Ker; the feud between Scott and Ker intensified
The Battle

History & Significance

The young James V was being kept under the control of Archibald Douglas, sixth Earl of Angus, who used the king as a political instrument. Walter Scott of Buccleuch attempted to intercept the king at Melrose and rescue him from Douglas control. He was repulsed by the Ker clan, Douglas allies. The incident deepened the bitter Scott-Ker feud — which would eventually result in the murder of Scott of Buccleuch by a Ker in 1552. The Borders in this period were as much defined by inter-clan feuding as by English-Scottish conflict.

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