BattlefieldsSiege of Norham Castle 1138
Medieval

Siege of Norham Castle 1138

1138
Northumberland, England
Also known as: David I besieges Norham · Scottish siege of Norham
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (David I)
Forces
English garrison: c. 300–500.
VS
Victor
England (Norham garrison held out)
Forces
David I: c. 4,000–6,000
Outcome
Norham held by English; David unable to take the castle despite prolonged siege
The Battle

History & Significance

As part of his invasion of England in support of Empress Matilda, David I besieged Norham Castle — the powerful Bishop of Durham's border fortress on the Tweed. Despite the broader successes of the Scottish invasion, Norham held out. David was unable to break down the walls and moved on. The castle's resistance represented the limits of Scottish siege capability in this period and the strategic importance of the Tweed crossing point.

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