Battle of Halidon Hill

Part of the Second War of Scottish Independence

Monument marking the site of the Battle of Halidon Hill, alongside the A6105 Berwick-Foulden, Berwickshire road. With the date of battle.

Date	19 July 1333
Location	Halidon Hill, near Berwick-upon-Tweed
Result	Decisive English victory

Belligerents

Kingdom of Scotland

Kingdom of England

Commanders and leaders

Sir Archibald Douglas †

Edward III of England

Thomas of Brotherton, Earl of Norfolk

Strength

13,000

9,000

Casualties and losses

exact figure unknown, but very high

Edward III of England

The Battle of Halidon Hill (19 July 1333) was fought during the Second War of Scottish Independence. Scottish forces under Sir Archibald Douglas were heavily defeated by the English forces of King Edward III of England on unfavourable terrain while trying to relieve Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Following Robert Bruce' victory at Bannockburn a number of Scots nobles refused to swear loyalty to the Scots cause. Those who did not do so were disinherited and left Scotland to join forces with Edward Balliol in England or in France hoping that he would, with his vast English support, become the ultimate victor. The Treaty of Northampton in 1328 brought an end to over thirty years of intermittent warfare following the defeat of Edward III by Robert Bruce. Bruce's own death the following year opened up an opportunity for the disinherited, Balliol and the English to invade Scotland once more.

In 1332 under the leadership of Edward Balliol, son of King John Balliol, and Henry Beaumont, 4th Earl of Buchan, these men invaded Scotland with the full support of Edward III, defeating the Bruce loyalists at the Battle of Dupplin Moor. Building on this success Balliol was crowned King of Scotland. However, with very limited support in his new realm, he was ambushed at Annan a few months later by supporters of David II, led by Sir Archibald Douglas, the Earl of Moray and the Steward. Balliol fled to England half-dressed. He appealed to King Edward for assistance, having already promised to cede to him all of the counties of south-east Scotland in return. Edward dropped all pretence of neutrality, recognised Balliol as King of Scotland and made ready for war.

...
Wikipedia