Mary Queen of Scots' defeat at Langside ended her personal rule and triggered the Marian civil war, sending her into permanent English captivity.
Key Facts
- Date
- 13 May 1568
- Conflict
- Opening battle of the Marian civil war
- Mary's escape
- Escaped Lochleven Castle in early May 1568
- Regent
- James Stewart, Earl of Moray, for James VI
- Outcome for Mary
- Defeated; fled into exile and captivity in England
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
After Mary Queen of Scots was captured at Carberry Hill in 1567 and forced to abdicate in favour of her infant son James VI, she was imprisoned at Lochleven Castle. In May 1568 she escaped and rallied supporters, primarily the Hamiltons, seeking refuge at Dumbarton Castle and the restoration of her queenship.
On 13 May 1568 at Langside, forces loyal to Mary confronted the army acting in the name of James VI, commanded by Regent Moray. Mary's force was defeated in the engagement, which is regarded as the opening battle of the Marian civil war in Scotland.
Following her defeat at Langside, Mary fled south and crossed into England, where she fell under the custody of Queen Elizabeth I. She never returned to Scotland and remained in English captivity until her execution in 1587. Her defeat effectively ended any immediate prospect of regaining the Scottish throne.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
James Stewart, Earl of Moray.