A Scottish victory over English forces in 1542 that was soon overshadowed by the catastrophic Scottish defeat at Solway Moss later that year.
Key Facts
- Date
- 24 August 1542
- Location
- ~3 miles east of Kelso, Scottish Borders
- Scottish commander
- George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly
- English commander
- Robert Bowes, Deputy Warden of English East March
- Outcome
- Significant Scottish victory
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Ongoing Anglo-Scottish tensions during the reigns of King James V of Scotland and Henry VIII of England created conditions for armed conflict along the border region, leading English and Scottish forces to clash in the Scottish Borders.
On 24 August 1542, Scottish forces under George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly, met and defeated an English army led by Robert Bowes near Kelso. The engagement resulted in a clear Scottish victory, demonstrating the capability of Scottish border forces against their English counterparts.
Despite the victory at Haddon Rig, Scotland's military fortunes reversed sharply just months later. The disastrous defeat at the Battle of Solway Moss in November 1542 overshadowed this success and had severe consequences for Scottish military and political power in the period that followed.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly.
Side B
1 belligerent
Robert Bowes.