BattlefieldsScottish Recovery of Edinburgh Castle 1341
Medieval

Scottish Recovery of Edinburgh Castle 1341

1341
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: William Douglas takes Edinburgh Castle 1341 · Edinburgh Castle recovered 1341
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English garrison of Edinburgh Castle
Forces
English garrison
VS
Victor
Scotland (William Douglas of Lothian)
Forces
William Douglas with small armed party disguised as merchants
Outcome
William Douglas of Lothian recovered Edinburgh Castle from the English by a ruse; Scottish garrison established; castle held for the remainder of the war
The Battle

History & Significance

Edinburgh Castle had been in English hands since 1333 when the Balliol-English alliance controlled southern Scotland. In 1341, with the Scottish cause recovering, William Douglas of Lothian disguised himself as a merchant bringing supplies to the castle. When the gates were opened his men rushed in and overwhelmed the garrison. David II returned from France to Scotland that same year, making Edinburgh Castles recovery symbolically important. The castles restoration to Scottish control confirmed that the Second War of Independence was turning in Scotlands favour.

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