The BATTLE of Neville’s Cross: Key point summary

Background

• January 1343: England, France, and Scotland signed the Truce of Malestroit during the Hundred Years' War.

• Truce expiry: 29 September 1346.

• Edward III of England planned an invasion of France in secret, assembling an army in Portsmouth by February 1346.

• Philip VI of France invoked the Auld Alliance of 1326 with Scotland to counter Edward's plans.

• June 1346: Philip VI asked King David II of Scotland to attack England.

• Despite Scotland's initial invasion, local defenders in northern England repelled them.

• French were defeated at Crécy; Edward's army was laying siege to Calais.

• 7 October: David II led a 12,000-strong Scottish army into England.

The Scottish Invasion

• The Scottish army besieged the 'Peel of Liddell'; it was captured after 4-5 days.

• The invasion had been predicted by the Chancellor of England two years prior.

• English Regency had issued a proclamation of array on 20 August; an army assembled at Richmond.

• Archbishop William de la Zouche led this force of 3,000-4,000 troops.

• 3,000 Yorkshiremen provided reinforcements.

• The Scots pillaged the Augustinian priory and Hexham Abbey, heading to Durham.

• The English army, led by the Archbishop and later Lord Ralph Neville, numbered between 6,000 and 7,000 men.

• 16 October 1346: Scots set up camp at Beaurepaire near Durham.

Prelude to the Battle

• 17 October: A group of 500 Scots unexpectedly encountered the English army.

• The English overpowered this Scottish contingent, causing around 300 casualties.

• David II positioned his army on high ground near ‘Neville’s Cross'.

The Battle

• The armies faced off, each forming three divisions.

• Scots' divisions led by David II, John Randolph, and Patrick Dunbar.

• English divisions led by Lord Henry Percy, Neville, and the Archbishop of York. Neville had overall command.

• The Scots' positioning made them vulnerable to English archers.

• Earl of Moray's division advanced but faced defeat due to challenging terrain and the might of the English forces.

• The Earl of March's division fled.

• The English unleashed arrows on David II's division, followed by close combat. The Scots were overwhelmed and routed.

• David II was captured after being injured.

Aftermath

• English casualties were minimal, but Scots suffered around 3,000 deaths.

• The battle was initially known as the ‘Battle of the Red Hills’.

• Over 50 Scottish barons were killed or captured.

• Captured Scots faced ransom or execution.

• Injured David II was paraded through London streets, then confined at Odiham Castle until 1357 when he was ransomed and released.