Battle site of Ancrum Moor (1545) *
Region: Lothian & Scottish Borders
© Copyright Jim Barton and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence
Description:
During the "Rough Wooing," two of Henry VIII’s commanders, Sir Ralph Euer and Sir Brian Laiton, crossed into Scotland in early 1545 with an army of about 5,000 men, including foreign mercenaries and Scottish borderers. The English devastated much of the border region, prompting the Earl of Angus to rally a local militia. With reinforcements joining them, the Scots positioned themselves at Ancrum Moor.
Outnumbered, the Scots cleverly lured the English cavalry into a trap. The boggy ground made it hard for the English infantry to form up for battle, and when 700 Scottish borderers switched sides, the fight was essentially decided. The English suffered around 600 losses, including Euer and Laiton, with another 1,000 taken prisoner.