Battle of Dunsinane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Dunsinane |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Dunsinane Hill from Black Hill |
|||||||
|
|||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Kingdom of Scotland | Kingdom of England | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Macbeth, King of Scotland | Siward, Earl of Northumbria Malcolm Canmore |
||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 3,000 | 1,500 | ||||||
| Casualty numbers from the Annals of Ulster | |||||||
The Battle of Dunsinane was a major fight that happened on July 27, 1054. It was also known as the Battle of the Seven Sleepers. In this battle, Macbeth, King of Scotland fought against an army led by Siward, Earl of Northumbria and Malcolm Canmore. This battle was part of a plan by Siward to help Malcolm become the King of Scotland. Macbeth had become king after Duncan I of Scotland, Malcolm's father, died in the Battle of Pitgaveny in 1040. Siward and Malcolm won the Battle of Dunsinane. It took place in Perthshire, usually thought to be on Dunsinane Hill.
After their victory, Siward went back home. He left Malcolm in control of some lands. From these lands, Malcolm could continue to challenge Macbeth. Macbeth was later defeated and died in the battle of Lumphanan in 1057 while fighting Malcolm. Macbeth's stepson, Lulach, became king for a short time. But he also died fighting Malcolm. In 1058, Malcolm was crowned Malcolm III of Scotland.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
Macbeth Becomes King
Macbeth was a ruler from a place called Moray. He had a disagreement with Duncan I of Scotland. This led to Duncan's death on August 14, 1040, in the battle of Pitgaveny. This battle happened near Elgin. After Duncan's death, Macbeth became the King of Scotland.
Malcolm's Return
After Duncan died, his son Malcolm Canmore went to live in exile. He stayed with the court of Edward the Confessor, who was the King of England. In 1054, Malcolm was with his uncle, Siward, Earl of Northumbria. Siward invaded Scotland to help Malcolm claim the throne.
Some historical records say that King Edward the Confessor ordered this invasion. If this is true, Edward might have wanted a friendly king in Scotland. This would help him against other groups who wanted to challenge his own rule. Another idea is that Siward hoped a friendly Scottish king would help him control Cumbria. He might have decided to act while Edward was busy in the south of England.
Who Fought with Whom
A historian from the 14th century, John of Fordun, wrote about the invasion. He said that local people were confused about who to support. This suggests that some Scots who were loyal to Malcolm might have fought alongside the English army led by Siward. Macbeth also had some Norman allies fighting with him. These included two knights who had been forced to leave England in 1052. Macbeth had given them a place in his service.
The Battle Itself
The most important battle of Siward's campaign happened in Perthshire. It was north of the river Tay. People traditionally believe it took place on Dunsinane Hill. However, this link comes from stories and plays more than from solid historical facts. The battle is also known as the Battle of the Seven Sleepers. This is because it was fought on the day of the Seven Sleepers, which is July 27.
The battle ended with Macbeth's defeat. According to the Annals of Ulster, a historical record, about 3,000 Scottish soldiers and 1,500 English soldiers died. Siward's son, Osbeorn, and his nephew, who was also named Siward, both died in the battle.
What Happened Next
After his victory, Henry of Huntingdon, a writer from the 12th century, said that Siward attacked and took goods from the kingdom. Siward returned home fairly quickly with a lot of treasure. This made his invading army weaker. Siward himself died in York in 1055.
After his defeat, Macbeth had to give up some lands and his position to Malcolm. We don't know the exact areas. But it's likely that Macbeth still controlled the area north of the Mounth. Malcolm probably controlled the area south of the rivers Forth and Clyde. The area in between might have been fought over. From his new position, Malcolm was able to keep challenging Macbeth. Macbeth was finally defeated and died at Lumphanan in Mar on August 15, 1057.
After Macbeth's death, his stepson Lulach became king. But Malcolm surprised and killed Lulach near Rhynie in Strathbogie in March 1058. After that, Malcolm was crowned king. Once he became king, he started a long process of changing Scotland's main culture away from Gaelic culture.
Sources
