Key Facts
- Campaign duration
- July–August 1327
- Scottish escape date
- Night of 6 August 1327
- Resulting treaty
- Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton, 1328
- Years of Anglo-Scottish war
- ~30 years by 1327
Strategic Narrative Overview
In July 1327 the English army marched from York to trap the Scots in Weardale. The Scots, commanded by James Douglas and the earls of Moray and Mar, occupied a strong position north of the River Wear. Neither side would fight on the other's terms. After three days the Scots shifted overnight to an even stronger position; Scottish raiders then penetrated the English camp, reaching Edward III's own pavilion. The English believed they were starving the Scots out, but on 6 August the Scottish army silently withdrew to Scotland.
01 / The Origins
England had been at war with Scotland for roughly 30 years when Edward II was deposed in 1326 by a rebellion led by his queen, Isabella, and her lover Roger Mortimer. The political instability emboldened the Scots, who launched large-scale raids into northern England. Isabella and Mortimer, seeking to legitimise their regency, assembled a substantial army to confront the Scottish incursions and force a decisive engagement.
03 / The Outcome
The campaign proved ruinously expensive for England without achieving any military result. Isabella and Mortimer were compelled to negotiate, and in 1328 the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton was concluded, formally recognising Scottish sovereignty and effectively ending the First War of Scottish Independence on Scottish terms.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
James, Lord of Douglas, Earl of Moray, Earl of Mar.
Side B
1 belligerent
Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore, Edward III of England.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.