Battle of Craignaught Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Craignaught Hill |
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| Part of Clan Boyd and Stewart of Darnley feud | |||||||
 Boyd's Hill and Craignaught Hill in Ayrshire where the battle took place |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Stewarts of Darnley | Clan Boyd | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Alexander Stewart | Sir Thomas Boyd † | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 210 men (or three detachments each of 70 men) | 100 men | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| “many valiant men on every side” | “many valiant men on every side” | ||||||
The Battle of Craignaught Hill was an important fight between two powerful Scottish families, the Clan Boyd and the Stewart family of Darnley. This battle, also called the Battle of Boyd's Hill or Boyd's Slack, happened on July 9, 1439. It was part of a long-running disagreement, known as a feud, between these two clans.
Why the Battle Happened
A Family Feud Begins
In 1439, a serious feud was going on between Alan Stewart of Darnley and Thomas Boyd, who was the leader of the Clan Boyd. This wasn't just a small argument; it was a deep conflict between their families.
The First Attack
Thomas Boyd attacked Alan Stewart at a place called Polmaise Thorn and killed him. Another story says this place was near Falkirk. It also mentions that the feud between the Boyds and Stewarts had already been going on for three years.
Preparing for Revenge
After the attack, Boyd went back to his home in Kilmarnock. He got his house, Dean Castle, ready for the Stewarts to come looking for revenge. He knew they would want to get even for Alan Stewart's death.
Stewart's Plan for Revenge
Alexander Stewart, Alan's brother, gathered his own men at Darnley House. He didn't ask for help from the law. Instead, he decided to take revenge himself. He split his fighters into three groups. Each group had about 70 men.
Setting a Trap
Alexander Stewart told two of his groups to go into the lands around Boyd's Dean Castle from different directions. They were to meet him the next night at Craignaught Hill. Stewart and his own group took a third path. Their goal was to spread their attack as widely as possible.
Boyd's Readiness
Sir Robert Boyd and 100 of his men were waiting inside Dean Castle. They were ready to ride out quickly and meet the Stewarts. Boyd sent out a scout to check on the enemy.
The Scout's Report
The scout came back and reported seeing only one Stewart group. This group had about 70 men and was led by Stewart of Darnley himself. The Boyds thought their enemy was smaller in number. This made them very eager to fight. Boyd said goodbye to his wife, and he and his men left the castle to face the Stewarts.
Stewart's Deception
Meanwhile, Stewart of Darnley and his men had settled down for the night at Craignaught Hill. They had captured cattle and sheep with them. As Boyd's men got closer, Darnley sent out his own scout. This scout reported that the Boyds had 100 men.
The Trap is Set
Darnley was pleased with this news. He told his other two groups to hide on either side of the hill. They stayed about 400 yards away from his main group. This way, they would not be seen by the approaching Boyds.
The Battle Begins
Boyds Walk into a Trap
When the Boyds came close enough to attack, Stewart of Darnley gave a signal. All of his forces, including the hidden groups, moved in. Boyd suddenly realized he had walked into a trap. He found himself facing many more men than his scouts had reported.
Fighting Against the Odds
The Boyds were surrounded. Their leader, Thomas Boyd, ordered his men to charge forward. The two Stewart groups that had been hiding on the sides now joined the fight. The Boyds were outnumbered by more than two to one.
A Fierce Fight
Even though they were outnumbered, the Boyds fought bravely against the Stewarts. The Stewarts' numbers began to get smaller. The Boyds stood back-to-back, forming a circle to defend themselves. They were determined to fight off the Stewarts or die trying.
The Fall of Thomas Boyd
Darnley tried hard to find a weakness in the Boyds' defense. But the Boyds' circle held strong. Thomas Boyd himself bravely rushed out from the circle. He tried to reach Stewart of Darnley. However, Darnley did not want to fight him directly. Seeing a chance, one of Stewart's men stabbed Thomas Boyd in the back with a dagger.
Boyds Retreat
With their leader dead, the remaining Boyds fled the battle. The Stewarts were victorious. They rested until the next morning. Then, they marched back towards Renfrewshire. They were satisfied that they had gotten their revenge. After the Stewarts left, the Boyds returned to find the body of their fallen chief. They carried him back to Kilmarnock.
What Happened Next
The Battle of Craignaught Hill did not completely end the feud between the Boyds and the Stewarts of Darnley. Another Stewart was later killed by the Boyds near the town of Dunbarton. This shows that the conflict continued for some time.
Images for kids
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Boyd's Hill and Craignaught Hill in Ayrshire where the battle took place
