Battle of Kells facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Kells
Part of the Bruce campaign in Ireland
Date November 1315 Location Kells, County Meath 53°43′37.920″N 6°52′36.840″W / 53.72720000°N 6.87690000°W / 53.72720000; -6.87690000 Result Scottish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Scotland and Gaelic allies	Lordship of Ireland and Gaelic allies
Commanders and leaders
Edward Bruce	Roger Mortimer
Strength
6,000+	unknown
Casualties and losses
unknown	unknown

The Battle of Kells was an important fight that happened in November 1315. It was part of a bigger conflict called the Bruce campaign in Ireland. This battle took place in Kells, County Meath, Ireland.

The main leaders were Edward Bruce from Scotland and Roger Mortimer, a powerful English lord. The battle ended with a victory for the Scottish forces.

Why the Battle Happened

Edward Bruce's Campaign

Edward Bruce was the brother of Robert the Bruce, who was the King of Scotland. Edward wanted to become King of Ireland. He led a Scottish army to Ireland in 1315.

After winning a battle at Connor, Bruce chased the English army. They went to Carrickfergus and hid in the castle. Bruce's army then started to surround the castle.

In November 1315, more Scottish soldiers arrived. They were led by Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray. Bruce left some soldiers at Carrickfergus. He then marched with Moray and their combined forces into County Meath.

Roger Mortimer's Role

Roger Mortimer was a very important English lord in Ireland. He had gained control of a large area called the Lordship of Meath. This area included Trim and its strong castle.

Mortimer was living in Ireland at the time. He was trying to make sure his lands were safe. He also had some disagreements with his wife's relatives, the de Lacys.

The Battle of Kells

Preparing for the Fight

Roger Mortimer gathered his soldiers in the northern part of Meath. He wanted to stop the Scottish army from entering his lands. He made the town of Kells stronger.

Mortimer brought in food and supplies to the castle in Kells. He also improved the town's defenses. Kells was meant to be his main base to fight the Scots.

The Clash at Kells

Edward Bruce left some soldiers at a place called Nobber. He then moved his main army towards Kells. Some people think he was tricked into coming to Kells.

The two armies met just outside the town of Kells. The Scottish soldiers began to set parts of the town on fire. The battle lasted for about three hours.

During the fighting, some of Mortimer's allies, the de Lacy brothers, left the battle. This left Mortimer and his remaining soldiers to fight a much larger Scottish force alone.

Aftermath of the Battle

Mortimer's army was defeated, and Kells was burning. He managed to escape with only a few knights. They rode quickly to Dublin to safety.

After their victory, the Scottish army continued their march. They burned Granard and moved through the middle of Ireland for two months. They faced no resistance and caused a lot of damage to the countryside.