BattlefieldsTreaty of Abernethy 1072
Early Medieval

Treaty of Abernethy 1072

1072
Perthshire, Scotland
Also known as: Malcolm III does homage 1072 · William I invades Scotland 1072
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Perthshire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (Malcolm III forced to submit)
Forces
Malcolm III c.2,000–4,000
VS
Victor
England (William I)
Forces
William I c.5,000–8,000
Outcome
Malcolm III did homage to William I at Abernethy; expelled Edgar Atheling; surrendered hostages
The Battle

History & Significance

William the Conqueror marched a large army by land and sea into Scotland in 1072 -- the first Norman invasion of Scotland. Malcolm III, unable to resist, met William at Abernethy on the Tay and did homage, surrendering hostages including his own son Duncan (the future Duncan II). The exact nature of the homage -- whether for Scotland or just his English lands -- was disputed for generations. Edgar Atheling, whom Malcolm had harboured, was expelled. The meeting defined the terms of the Anglo-Scottish relationship for decades.

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