Battle of Annan facts for kids

The Battle of Annan took place on December 16, 1332, in a place called Annan, Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. It was also sometimes known as the "Camisade of Annan." This battle was an important event during the Wars of Scottish Independence, which were long fights for Scotland's freedom.

Who Was Edward Balliol?

This battle was part of a bigger fight over who should be king of Scotland. Just three months before the Battle of Annan, a man named Edward Balliol had taken control of the Scottish crown. He did this after winning another battle called the Battle of Dupplin Moor in August 1332.

In October 1332, Sir Archibald Douglas, who was a leader for Scotland, made a temporary peace with Balliol. The idea was to let the Scottish Parliament decide who the true king should be. Feeling safe because of this peace, Edward Balliol sent most of his English soldiers away. He then moved to Annan, a town near the Solway Firth.

While in Annan, Balliol wrote letters saying that he had become king again with England's help. He also said that Scotland had always been under England's rule. He even promised to give land to the English King Edward III, including a town called Berwick-on-Tweed. Balliol also promised to serve King Edward III for the rest of his life.

The Surprise Attack

In the early morning of December 16, 1332, a group of Scottish fighters launched a surprise attack on Balliol. These fighters were loyal to the Bruce family, who were the rightful kings of Scotland. Their leaders included Sir Archibald Douglas, John Randolph, 3rd Earl of Moray, Robert Stewart, and Simon Fraser.

Most of Edward Balliol's men were killed in this sudden attack. Edward Balliol himself barely escaped. He managed to get away through a hole in a wall and quickly rode his horse to Carlisle, England.

What Happened Next?

Edward Balliol's brother, Henry Balliol, was badly hurt during the Battle of Annan and later died from his injuries. Since Edward Balliol never had any children and died in 1364, the Balliol family's claim to the Scottish throne ended with him.

Robert Stewart, who would later become King Robert II of Scotland, was only sixteen years old when he fought in the Battle of Annan. The Bruce loyalists were fighting for the young King David II of Scotland. David was the son of the famous Robert the Bruce, who had passed away in 1329.