Battle of Lochmaben Fair facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Lochmaben Fair
Date 22 July 1484 Location Lochmaben, Scotland grid reference NY08198257 Result Scottish Royalist victory
Belligerents
Scottish Rebels	Scottish Royalist forces
Commanders and leaders
James, 9th Earl of Douglas Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany	Robert Crichton Cuthbert Murray John Johnstone
Strength
500 horsemen	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Lochmaben Fair was a fight that happened in Lochmaben, Scotland. It took place on July 22, 1484. This battle was between people loyal to the Scottish king, James III of Scotland, and a group of rebels.

The rebels were led by Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany and James Douglas, 9th Earl of Douglas. They were riding with 500 horsemen from England. Both Albany and Douglas had been forced to leave Scotland. They hoped to start a rebellion against King James III. However, instead of joining them, the local people fought back. The king's loyal forces won the battle. Douglas was captured, and Albany had to escape.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

The King's Troubles

King James III of Scotland was not very popular with his nobles. In July 1482, some of his own powerful nobles arrested him. They held him in Edinburgh Castle. This was a big deal because it meant the king had lost control.

Albany's Rise and Fall

After the king was arrested, his younger brother, Alexander Stewart, Duke of Albany, took charge. He became very powerful for a short time. But King James III soon got his throne back. He did this by getting help from important people, like George Gordon, 2nd Earl of Huntly. Albany then had to run away from Scotland. He first went to Dunbar and then to England in 1483.

Douglas's Exile

Another important rebel was James Douglas. He had been against Albany's father, King James II of Scotland, many years before. Douglas had been living in England since 1455. His lands in Scotland had been taken away by the king. In England, he worked for King Edward IV of England. He even became a special knight called a Knight of the Garter.

The Invasion and Battle

Planning the Attack

The new English king, Richard III, first thought about invading Scotland himself. But he had other important things to do. So, he only gave permission for Albany and Douglas to invade Scotland on their own. He did not give them any soldiers or money.

The Fair at Lochmaben

Albany and Douglas decided to attack Lochmaben on July 22, 1484. This was during the town's yearly fair. They brought 500 horsemen with them. The rebels hoped that the Scottish people would join them. They wanted the Scots to rise up against King James III.

The Outcome

But things did not go as Albany and Douglas planned. The people of Lochmaben did not join the rebellion. Instead, they picked up weapons and fought against the invaders. Soon, other local nobles and their forces came to help the townspeople. The rebel horsemen were defeated. Albany managed to escape and fled to France. James Douglas was captured by the loyalist forces.