Battle of Drumclog facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Drumclog
Part of Scottish Covenanter Wars
Monument to the Battle of Drumclog
Date 1 June 1679 Location High Drumclog, South Lanarkshire, Scotland Result Covenanter victory
Belligerents
Covenanter rebels	Royal army
Commanders and leaders
William Cleland	John Graham of Claverhouse
Registered battlefield
Designated	30 November 2011
Reference no.	BTL21

The Battle of Drumclog was a fight that happened on June 1, 1679. It was between a group called the Covenanters and the King's soldiers. The battle took place at Drumclog in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. The Covenanters won this battle.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

In the 1600s, many people in Scotland called Covenanters wanted to worship God in their own way. They believed in a special agreement, or "covenant," with God. The King and his government wanted everyone to follow the rules of the official church. This led to a lot of tension and fighting.

The Covenanters often met in secret outdoor church services called "conventicles." The government saw these meetings as a rebellion. King's soldiers, known as dragoons, were sent to stop them.

On June 1, 1679, a large conventicle was planned near Loudoun Hill. The King's captain, John Graham of Claverhouse, was known for being tough on Covenanters. He was heading to the area to break up the meeting.

How the Battle Unfolded

When the Covenanters heard Claverhouse's soldiers were coming, they got ready to fight. About 200 armed Covenanters moved to a wet, boggy area near Drumclog farm. They had around 40 men on horseback, armed with muskets and even pitchforks.

A painting by George Harvey showing the Battle of Drumclog.

The Covenanters chose a strong position behind a bog, which they called a "stank." This made it hard for Claverhouse's soldiers to get close. The two sides exchanged fire from a distance. Claverhouse thought he was winning, but his troops couldn't cross the muddy ground without getting stuck.

Then, the Covenanters decided to attack. A leader named William Cleland led a group around the bog. They moved quickly towards the government troops. Even though the King's soldiers fired many shots, the Covenanters' attack worked.

Claverhouse's soldiers couldn't hold their ground. They broke ranks and ran away from the battlefield. The Covenanters had won! About 36 of Claverhouse's men were killed.

What Happened After the Battle?

This victory was a huge success for the Covenanters. However, their happiness didn't last long. Just three weeks later, Claverhouse returned with a much larger army. He helped to defeat the Covenanter rebellion at the Battle of Bothwell Brig.

The Battle of Drumclog has been remembered in different ways. A famous writer named Sir Walter Scott wrote about it in his novel Old Mortality. There is also an old folk song, or "ballad," called Loudoun Hill, or Drumclog that tells the story.

Remembering the Battle

The Battle of Drumclog is still celebrated by some people in Scotland. They see it as an important moment for religious freedom.

Monuments and Memorials

The Drumclog Memorial Kirk.

In 1839, a monument was built at the battle site to remember the fight. Later, in 1859, a schoolhouse was built nearby. The battlefield itself is now protected by Historic Scotland. This means it is an important historical site.

A church in Duns once had a bell named after the battle. The church was taken down in the 1950s, but the bell is still kept there.

In 1905, a railway line opened with a station at Drumclog. A village grew up around it. In 1912, the Drumclog Memorial Kirk (church) was built. Inside the church, there is a stained glass window showing the Covenanters. There is also a painting of their army flag. Every year, the church holds a special service at the Drumclog Monument in June.

The Covenanters' Flag

The Covenanters' Flag from the Battle of Drumclog.

The actual flag carried by the Covenanters at Drumclog is now in a museum in Scotland. It has a Scottish thistle on it. The flag's message says: "For Reformation of Religion In Church And State According To The Word of God And Our Sworn Covenants." This shows what the Covenanters were fighting for.