The surprise attack at Annan ended Edward Balliol's first bid for the Scottish throne and preserved the Bruce claim during the Second War of Scottish Independence.
Key Facts
- Date
- 16 December 1332
- Location
- Annan, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
- Balliol's prior victory
- Battle of Dupplin Moor, August 1332
- Balliol's escape
- Fled reportedly naked or in nightclothes to Carlisle
- Notable casualty
- Henry Balliol, Edward's brother and heir, died of wounds
- Age of Robert Stewart at battle
- Approximately 16 years old
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Edward Balliol had seized the Scottish crown after his victory at Dupplin Moor in August 1332. A truce brokered by Guardian of Scotland Sir Archibald Douglas led Balliol to dismiss most of his English forces and settle in Annan, leaving him dangerously exposed. Balliol had also publicly acknowledged Scotland as an English fief and promised territorial concessions to Edward III, inflaming Bruce loyalist opposition.
In the early hours of 16 December 1332, Bruce loyalists under Sir Archibald Douglas, John Randolph (3rd Earl of Moray), Robert Stewart, and Simon Fraser launched a surprise night assault on Balliol's position at Annan. Most of Balliol's men were killed. Balliol himself escaped by fleeing through a hole in the wall, reportedly in his nightclothes or naked, riding to Carlisle in England.
The rout ended Balliol's first attempt to claim the Scottish throne. His brother Henry Balliol died of wounds sustained in the battle, extinguishing the Balliol line in Scotland, as Edward later died childless in 1364. The outcome allowed Bruce loyalists to continue defending the reign of the young David II, son of Robert the Bruce, during the ongoing Second War of Scottish Independence.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Sir Archibald Douglas, John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray, Robert Stewart, Simon Fraser, 1st Laird of Lovat.
Side B
1 belligerent
Edward Balliol.