Battle site of Flodden (1513) ***
© Copyright Philip Halling and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Description:
More than 10.000 of Scotland's men and James IV himself went down in bloody ruins in 1513.
The Auld Alliance between Scotland and France, meant to keep the English lion in check, required the Scots to aid the French. To pressure Henry VIII into pulling troops from his main army in France, the Scots crossed the border with a massive force of about 40,000 men backed by artillery. In response, the Earl of Surrey, Henry’s northern lieutenant, quickly assembled around 26,000 men to face them. Worried the Scots might retreat before a fight could happen, Surrey challenged James directly.
Fletcher statue in Selkirk
The battle began in the late afternoon with a barrage of the Scottish guns. The English guns however were more effective. This was a mere prelude to the Scottish pike charge. When the Scots charged downhill their 4.5 meter long pikes ( a present from their French allies!) proved a real hazard, especially when, at the bottom of the hill, they found themselves floundering in the mud. The Scots fought stubbornly, but the English archers proved very effective on the Scottish right flank. By nightfall the Scottish army was annihilated. James was killed, together with at least 10.000 of his subjects, including high officers of church and state and many nobles.