BattlefieldsBattle of Neville Cross — Scottish advance through Durham 1346
Medieval

Battle of Neville Cross — Scottish advance through Durham 1346

1346
County Durham, England
Also known as: David II march through Durham 1346 · Scottish ravaging of County Durham 1346
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
County Durham, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scottish
Forces
English forces assembling from Yorkshire and the north
VS
Victor
Scotland (temporary) — until Nevilles Cross
Forces
Scottish army c.12,000-20,000 under David II
Outcome
David II led a Scottish army deep into County Durham, burning villages and monasteries as far as the approaches to Durham city; English forces began to concentrate before Nevilles Cross
The Battle

History & Significance

David IIs 1346 invasion of England was the most ambitious Scottish military operation since Bannockburn. Before the decisive engagement at Nevilles Cross, the Scottish army ravaged County Durham extensively. St Cuthberts shrine at Durham was reportedly threatened. Scottish forces burned across the county for two weeks, demonstrating to Edward III — absent at Crécy — that Scotland could not be ignored. The ravaging before Nevilles Cross is the military context that explains why David pushed so deep into England.

Casualties & Losses

Multiple Durham villages burned; monastic property damaged

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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