Battle of Neville`s Cross

The Battle of Neville`s Cross

October 1346

Prehistory

The english King Eduard III. broke the ‘Northampton Agreement’ by regulating the Borders between Scotland and England. He was of the opinion that it was invalid because it was negotiated at the time of his Minority and therefore would not correspond to his will.

In 1341, David II., who had been brought to safety in France, returned to Scotland and regained Power. According to the ‘Auld Alliance’ he attacked England in 1346 to relieve France in their War against England. David assumed that Edward’s troops were bound in France, but the English had taken precautions.

The Battle

In October 1346 the Scots stopped in ‘Bear Park’. It was not until a scottish Detachment under the leadership of William Douglas, Earl of Douglas, came across an english Vanguard that David was briefed by the experienced Army of Knights and Archers.
However, he was convinced that the English could not win because of his numerical Superiority. He set up his Battalions at the Foot of the Neville’s Cross Hill before climbing him. As they were stopped by Fences and Ramparts, the English came faster.
Initially, the Scots -influenced by previous Experience- took a defensive Position, but were provoked by volleys of English Archers to attack. The scottish Troops lost their Order and under the hail of arrows about 3,500 Scots lost their lives, which allowed the British to win the Battle.

Several Followers of David deserted, including Robert II. and the Earl of March.
David and some Nobles were captured while the remaining scottish troops were pursued for miles. David was imprisoned in Odiham Castle and could only return to Scotland after eleven years.