BattlefieldsWilliam the Lion Siege of Alnwick 1174
Medieval

William the Lion Siege of Alnwick 1174

1174
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Second Scottish siege Alnwick 1174 · William I second investment Alnwick
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland
Forces
Scottish force: c.1,000–2,000.
VS
Victor
England (garrison held; William captured)
Forces
English garrison: c.150–300
Outcome
William the Lion captured in the fog while reconnoitring; Scotland humiliated
The Battle

History & Significance

During his second siege of Alnwick in 1174, William the Lion rode forward with only a small mounted escort through thick morning fog to reconnoitre the castle. A party of English knights from inside the castle surprised him. He was knocked from his horse and captured when his leg became trapped. The Treaty of Falaise that followed forced William to do homage to Henry II for Scotland itself, not just his English lands -- the greatest humiliation suffered by any Scottish king. He was not freed from this obligation until 1189 when Richard I cancelled it in exchange for 10,000 marks to fund the Third Crusade.

Casualties & Losses

William the Lion captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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