BattlefieldsBattle of North Inch of Perth 1396
Medieval

Battle of North Inch of Perth 1396

1396
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Clan Battle of Perth · Trial by Combat at Perth 1396
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Clan Cameron
Forces
Cameron 30 champions
VS
Victor
Clan Chattan (Kay faction)
Forces
Clan Chattan 30 champions
Outcome
Clan Chattan victorious; one fighter sold his place to a Perth burgess; 29 of 60 men died
The Battle

History & Significance

One of the strangest military events in Scottish history — a judicial combat between thirty champions from Clan Chattan and thirty from Clan Cameron (called 'Kay' in sources), fought before King Robert III on the North Inch of Perth. The clans had feuded for years; the king ordered this regulated spectacle to settle it once and for all. The combat was watched by the court as spectacle. When a Chattan man lost his nerve and swam the Tay, a Perth burgess named Hal o' the Wynd paid to take his place. Twelve men survived. Walter Scott immortalised it in 'The Fair Maid of Perth.'

Casualties & Losses

29 of 60 combatants killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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