Battle of Alnwick (1093) facts for kids

The Battle of Alnwick was an important fight that happened on November 13, 1093. It took place near the town of Alnwick in Northumberland, England. In this battle, Malcolm III of Scotland, also known as Malcolm Canmore, and his son Edward were killed. They were fighting against an English army led by Robert de Mowbray. This battle helped shape the relationship between England and Scotland at the time.

Why the Battle Happened

When William II of England, also called William Rufus, became king, the border area in northern England was not very stable. King William wanted to control this northern land, called Northumbria. He placed strong leaders there to protect the border from Scottish attacks.

Malcolm III of Scotland wanted to control parts of northern England, including Cumbria and Northumbria. In May 1091, he invaded Northumbria and attacked the city of Durham. King William Rufus had to bring a large army north to stop him.

William's army moved into Scotland, and Malcolm's army retreated. Eventually, they agreed to a truce, and William went back south. The next year, William made his control stronger in Cumbria. This was to prevent any future Scottish invasions there.

The exact reasons for Malcolm's next invasion are not fully clear. But in November 1093, Malcolm led his army into Northumbria again. They began to attack the town of Alnwick.

The Battle of Alnwick

'Malcolm's Cross' is said to mark the spot where Malcolm III of Scotland was killed while attacking Alnwick Castle in 1093.

At this time, Robert de Mowbray was the Earl of Northumbria. He was also in charge of Bamburgh Castle, a strong fort on the coast. Robert de Mowbray did not have enough soldiers to fight the Scottish army in a big open battle.

However, he decided to try and help Alnwick. He arrived with his forces on November 13, 1093. This day was known as St Brice’s Day. The English knights surprised the Scottish army while they were outside Alnwick.

During the fighting, both King Malcolm Canmore and his son Edward were killed. The spring near where they died later became known as “Malcolm’s Spring” or “Malcolm’s Well.” Without their leader, the Scottish army became disorganized. They decided to head back to Scotland.

The bodies of Malcolm and his son were first buried at Tynemouth Priory. It is not certain if Malcolm’s body was later moved to Dunfermline Abbey in Scotland.

What Happened Next

Soon after Malcolm’s death, his queen, Margaret, also died. Malcolm’s death, along with his heir Edward, caused a problem for who would be the next king of Scotland. There was a disagreement between Malcolm’s other sons and his younger brother, Donald Bane.

Donald Bane became king, but a civil war started. Malcolm’s sons tried to take the throne from him. Having a Scotland without a strong, clear king was good for William Rufus. It meant less trouble for England.

Robert de Mowbray, the English leader who defeated Malcolm, later joined a plot against King William Rufus in 1095. Because of this, he lost his lands and was put in prison for the rest of his life.

A simple stone marker was placed to show where the battle happened, north of Alnwick. In 1774, a more detailed monument called Malcolm's Cross was put up. It was built by the Duchess of Northumberland.