BattlefieldsScottish Raid on Ripon and Knaresborough 1318
Medieval

Scottish Raid on Ripon and Knaresborough 1318

1318
North Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Scots burn Ripon 1318 · Yorkshire raid 1318 — Ripon and Knaresborough
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Yorkshire — Ripon and Knaresborough
VS
Victor
Scotland (raiding force)
Outcome
Scottish forces raided into the West Riding of Yorkshire, burning Ripon and threatening Knaresborough; the minster of Ripon ransomed itself
The Battle

History & Significance

The 1318 raid on Ripon demonstrated that Scottish military reach now extended deep into central Yorkshire. Ripon Minster was ransomed for a large sum — a pattern repeated across the north. The fact that a wealthy ecclesiastical centre in the West Riding of Yorkshire was paying protection money to Scotland measured how completely Bruce had reversed the strategic situation since Bannockburn. Edward II was humiliated by his inability to protect even his wealthiest northern subjects.

Forces Involved

Scottish mounted raiding force c.2,000-4,000; no English field army

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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