BattlefieldsAlexander II Besieges Carlisle 1216
Medieval

Alexander II Besieges Carlisle 1216

1216
Cumberland, England
Also known as: Scottish siege of Carlisle 1216 · Alexander II at Carlisle
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Cumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
c. 400–600 Carlisle garrison
VS
Victor
Scotland (Alexander II) -- city yielded
Forces
c. 2,500–4,000 Scottish forces
Outcome
Carlisle opened its gates to Alexander II; briefly held
The Battle

History & Significance

During the crisis of John's reign and the First Barons War, Alexander II marched as far south as Carlisle and the city opened its gates to him. The Scots held the city briefly, reviving memories of David I's long occupation of Carlisle during the Anarchy. The episode demonstrated Scotland's continuing claim to the north of England and Alexander's opportunism in pressing it when English weakness allowed.

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