BattlefieldsBattle of Homildon Hill
Medieval

Battle of Homildon Hill

1402
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Battle of Humbleton Hill
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (Murdoch Stewart / Douglas)
Forces
c.10,000 Scots; longbow victory; many Scottish nobles captured
VS
Victor
England (Northumberland / Hotspur)
Forces
c.10,000 English (Percy)
Outcome
English victory; Earl of Douglas captured; many Scottish nobles taken prisoner
The Battle

History & Significance

A massive Scottish raid into England was caught returning home laden with plunder at Homildon Hill. English archers destroyed the Scottish army from long range. The Earl of Douglas was captured (for the second time — he had been at Otterburn too). Shakespeare uses the battle as backstory in Henry IV Part 1 — Hotspur's refusal to hand Douglas to Henry causes the break with the king.

Casualties & Losses

Hundreds killed; most Scottish nobility captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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