BattlefieldsAlexander II Death during Western Isles Campaign 1249
Medieval

Alexander II Death during Western Isles Campaign 1249

1249
Argyllshire, Scotland
Also known as: Alexander II dies at Kerrera 1249 · Scottish naval campaign Western Isles 1249
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Argyllshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
VS
Victor
Campaign abandoned on king's death
Outcome
Alexander II died of fever at Kerrera while preparing to attack the Western Isles; campaign abandoned
The Battle

History & Significance

Alexander II was preparing a major naval expedition to wrest the Western Isles from Norwegian sovereignty when he died of fever on the island of Kerrera near Oban in July 1249. He had assembled a substantial fleet and army. His death was a dramatic setback -- the islands would not be acquired until his son Alexander III's reign, following the Battle of Largs in 1263 and the Treaty of Perth in 1266. The spot on Kerrera where he died is still marked.

Casualties & Losses

Alexander II died of fever

Forces Involved

Scottish naval expedition c.3,000–5,000; campaign abandoned on king's death.

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