Battle of Melrose facts for kids

The Battle of Melrose was a fight between Scottish clans that happened on July 25, 1526. Sir Walter Scott of Branxholme and Buccleuch tried to rescue the young King James V of Scotland from the powerful Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus.

Quick facts for kids Battle of Melrose
Part of the Scottish clan wars
The "Turn Again Stone" is believed to have been erected after the Battle of Melrose in 1526 and marks the spot where one of the Eliotts turned to spear his pursuer, Kerr of Cessford
Date 25 July 1526 Location Melrose, Scottish Borders Result Douglas victory
Belligerents
Clan Douglas Clan Kerr Clan Maxwell	Clan Scott Clan Eliott
Commanders and leaders
Earl of Angus Kerr of Ferinhurst Kerr of Cessford  † Lord Maxwell	Scott of Buccleuch
Strength
Unknown	600 to 1000
Casualties and losses
100 killed, including Kerr the Laird of Cessford	80 killed (four score)
Registered battlefield
Official name	Battle of Darnick
Designated	14 December 2012
Reference no.	BTL30

Why Did the Battle of Melrose Happen?

The young King James V was under the care of Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus. This arrangement was supposed to change every three months. However, Douglas refused to let King James go to the next guardian, the Earl of Arran.

King James secretly sent a message to Sir Walter Scott. He asked Scott to try and rescue him. Douglas was taking King James to Edinburgh. Sir Walter Scott, with many Border Reivers (people who raided across the border), stopped them near Melrose.

What Happened During the Battle?

Angus's group, mostly made up of Kerrs, stood their ground. They were ready to fight. Scott led about 1000 men down Eildon Hill towards Melrose. Angus's men charged forward. Scott's men also held their position firmly.

Then, Lord Hume arrived with 80 more Kerrs. They joined Angus's side. These fresh fighters attacked the side of Scott's group. The Scotts and Eliotts began to retreat and run away. During the chase, Andrew Kerr of Cessford was killed by one of the Eliotts. Scott lost around 80 of his men. The Earl of Angus lost about 100 men. Even with more losses, Angus still won the battle.

What Happened After the Battle?

After the battle, the young King James stayed at Darnick Tower for the night. He then continued his journey to Edinburgh the next day. The death of Andrew Kerr, Laird of Cessford, caused a long and deadly feud. This feud lasted for many years in the Scottish Borders between the Kerrs and the Scotts.

Later that same year, on September 4, 1526, another battle took place. This was the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge. In this battle, forces against Douglas again tried to rescue King James.