BattlefieldsWilliam the Lion Ravages Northumberland 1173
Medieval

William the Lion Ravages Northumberland 1173

1173
Northumberland, England
Also known as: Scottish raid Northumberland 1173 · William I harries Northumbria
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Northumberland, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbrian population
Forces
Northumbrian defenders: militia, c.200–500.
VS
Victor
Scotland (William the Lion)
Forces
Scottish force: c.1,000–2,000
Outcome
Northumberland harried; towns burned; population terrorised
The Battle

History & Significance

During the great rebellion against Henry II in 1173-74, William the Lion joined the rebel barons and launched devastating raids across Northumberland. His forces burned towns, took captives and devastated the countryside from Tyne to Tweed. The raids were intended to demonstrate Scottish power and press William's claim to Northumberland, which he considered rightfully Scottish.

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