Battle of Arbroath facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Arbroath
Part of Gordon – Lindsay feud
Arbroath Abbey where the battle took place
Date 24 January 1445 or 1446 Location Arbroath, Scotland Result Lindsay victory
Belligerents
Clan Ogilvy Clan Gordon Clan Oliphant Clan Seton Clan Forbes	Clan Lindsay
Commanders and leaders
Baron of Inverquharity	Earl of Crawford  †
Casualties and losses
500.	At least 100.

The Battle of Arbroath was a big fight that happened in Arbroath, Scotland, on January 24, 1445 (some say 1446). It was a clash between two powerful families, the Lindsays and the Ogilvys. They were fighting over who should get an important job called "Baillie of the Regality."

Why the Battle Started

This conflict began because of a job at Arbroath Abbey. The monks there needed someone to help keep order and make sure justice was fair in their area. This person was called the "Baillie of the Regality."

Choosing a Baillie

First, the monks chose Alexander Lindsay, who was known as the Master of Crawford. But soon, they regretted their choice. The Master of Crawford brought many of his men to stay at the abbey. The monks felt these men behaved very badly. They said the Master of Crawford was "hard to deal with."

A New Baillie is Chosen

Because of this, the monks decided to fire the Master of Crawford. Instead, they picked Alexander Ogilvy, the Baron of Inverquharity. Alexander Ogilvy had a strong claim to the job. His family had held the position before.

The Dispute Begins

The Master of Crawford did not agree with this decision. He believed he still had the right to be the Baillie. The two sides could not agree. Instead of talking it out, they decided to fight.

The Battle Day

On January 24, 1445, the Master of Crawford arrived at the abbey. He brought over one thousand men with him. Most of these fighters were from Clan Lindsay. There were also some men from Clan Hamilton who came from a place called Clydesdale.

Ogilvy's Allies Gather

Luckily for Alexander Ogilvy, he had guests visiting that day. These guests were powerful leaders from other clans. They included Alexander Gordon, 1st Earl of Huntly, Sir John Oliphant, Maxwell of Tealing, Brucklay of Gartley, Forbes of Pitsligo, and Gordon of Borrowfield. Even though Ogilvy's group was smaller, they got ready to fight. His forces included men from Clan Oliphant, Clan Seton, Clan Gordon, and Clan Forbes.

A Tragic Accident

Meanwhile, the Earl of Crawford, who was the Master of Crawford's father, rushed from Dundee. He wanted to stop the fight before it started. The Earl rode between the two armies to talk with Ogilvy. But one of Ogilvy's foot soldiers made a mistake. He thought the Earl was attacking. The soldier threw a spear, hitting the Earl in the mouth and neck. The Earl died right away. This accident made any chance of peace disappear.

The Fight Begins

The battle then started. Both sides had their spears ready. One story says the Lindsays shouted, "Why do you bring those sticks with you, as if you had to do with cows? Please, throw them away, and let us fight with our swords, hand to hand, as real men do." Because of this, most fighters on both sides dropped their spears.

The Spear Wall Tactic

However, about one hundred men from Clydesdale kept their spears. They held the points behind them. When they got close to the enemy, they suddenly pushed their spears forward. This created a "spear wall." This surprise tactic broke through the lines of Ogilvy's army.

The Second Clash

Ogilvy's army left the abbey. They made a final stand about three miles away, in a village called Leysmill. There, they regrouped and faced their pursuers. This second part of the battle lasted into the night. Alexander Ogilvy and Forbes of Pitsligo were killed. The Lindsays won the battle, but they also lost many men at Leysmill. They were too tired to chase the Ogilvys further. The Ogilvys carried the bodies of Ogilvy and Pitsligo back to Kinnell. Alexander Ogilvy was buried in the church aisle in Kinnell. A saying was carved there: "While the grass grows green and the water runs clear, Let none but Ogilvys lie here."

What Happened After

Even though Clan Lindsay won, they lost many men. They also lost the Earl of Crawford. Alexander Ogilvy, Forbes of Pitsligo, Brucklay of Gartley, Gordon of Borrowfield, and Sir John Oliphant were all killed.

The "Tiger Earl"

After the battle, the Master of Crawford, who later became known as "The Tiger Earl of Crawford," attacked the lands of his enemies. His army burned castles, killed people, stole property, and captured wives and children. This showed everyone how terrible his anger could be.

The Green Curse

From that time on, Clan Lindsay did not like the color green. A saying came from the battle: "An Ogilvy in Green, Should never be seen." It seemed to become a bad omen for the Lindsays. They were later defeated at the Battle of Brechin by the Earl of Huntly. The Earl of Crawford believed this loss happened because the Lindsays were wearing green, just like the Ogilvys at Arbroath.

Ogilvy's Remains Found

In 1885, during a demolition, the body of Alexander Ogilvy, 2nd Baron of Inverquharity, was found at the church in Kinnell village. A local story said that for hundreds of years, the Baron's large boots and spurs hung over the aisle. The remains found were of a "gigantic" man. This confirmed stories about Ogilvy's great height. One of his spurs was found and is now in the church at Kinnell.

Discoveries from the Past

Sometimes, graves of people who died in this battle have been found underground.