The failed Scottish siege of Carlisle in 1315 demonstrated the limits of Scottish siege warfare after Bannockburn and helped elevate Andrew Harclay to national prominence.
Key Facts
- Siege start date
- 22 July 1315
- Siege end date
- 1 August 1315
- Duration
- 10 days days
- Defending commander
- Andrew Harclay, 1st Earl of Carlisle
- Conflict
- First War of Scottish Independence
- Outcome
- Scottish forces withdrew without breaching the walls
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following the Scottish victory at Bannockburn in 1314, Robert the Bruce launched a series of raids into Northern England. Carlisle was a strategically contested town controlling access to North-West England, and the Scots sought to press their advantage along the Anglo-Scottish border.
From 22 July to 1 August 1315, Scottish forces besieged Carlisle Castle, which was defended by a garrison under Andrew Harclay. Despite their recent battlefield successes, the Scots lacked the expertise and resources for a sustained siege and failed to breach the castle walls before withdrawing.
The successful English defense halted the Scottish advance into North-West England and played a significant role in Andrew Harclay's rise to prominence. He was subsequently created Earl of Carlisle, though he was later executed in 1323.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Robert the Bruce.
Side B
1 belligerent
Andrew Harclay, 1st Earl of Carlisle.