The only major engagement of the Pentland Rising, marking early Covenanter armed resistance to episcopalianism in Scotland.
Key Facts
- Date
- 28 November 1666
- Covenanters killed
- 40–50
- Prisoners taken
- Up to 85
- Executed after battle
- 36
- Survivors transported to
- Barbados
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Opposition to the restoration of episcopalianism in the Church of Scotland drove Covenanter dissidents to armed revolt in 1666. This rebellion, known as the Pentland Rising, was rooted in religious grievances against government religious policy imposed following the Restoration of Charles II.
A Covenanter army under Colonel James Wallace clashed with government forces led by Tam Dalyell of the Binns near the Pentland Hills in Midlothian on 28 November 1666. The Covenanters were defeated, suffering between 40 and 50 killed and up to 85 taken prisoner.
Following the defeat, 36 prisoners were executed and others transported to Barbados. Many captives were alleged to have been tortured. Religious and political unrest persisted for two decades, eventually culminating in the severe period of repression from 1679 to 1688 known as The Killing Time.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Colonel James Wallace.
Side B
1 belligerent
Tam Dalyell of the Binns.