The sieges of Berwick in 1355–1356 marked a brief Scottish success in the Second War of Scottish Independence, quickly reversed by an English punitive campaign into Scotland.
Key Facts
- Scottish capture of Berwick
- 6 November 1355, pre-dawn escalade
- Scottish garrison left behind
- 130 men
- English recapture
- January 1356
- Scottish commanders
- Thomas, Earl of Angus; Patrick, Earl of March
- English response leader
- King Edward III
- Truce broken
- October 1355, Scots invaded Northumbria
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Scots had been engaged in the Second War of Scottish Independence since 1332. Encouraged by France, which was fighting England in the Hundred Years' War, they assembled a border army in 1355. After a truce was agreed in September 1355, most English forces departed for France with Edward III, leaving the border exposed. The Scots broke the truce in October, invading and ravaging Northumbria.
On 6 November 1355, a Scottish force under Thomas, Earl of Angus, and Patrick, Earl of March, seized Berwick-upon-Tweed in a pre-dawn escalade. Though they failed to take Berwick Castle and besieged it, they ultimately could not hold the position. Edward III returned from France, massed a large army at Newcastle, and the Scots negotiated a safe withdrawal, leaving only a small garrison that also evacuated.
Edward III recaptured Berwick in January 1356 without major battle. He then led his army into Scotland, devastating much of the south and centre of the country in a punitive campaign known as Burnt Candlemas. Edward's advance was ultimately halted not by Scottish resistance but by bad weather that prevented his supply ships from landing, forcing him to withdraw.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Thomas, Earl of Angus, Patrick, Earl of March.
Side B
1 belligerent
King Edward III.