Battle of Roslin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Roslin
Part of the First War of Scottish Independence
Battle of Roslin memorial
Date 24 February 1303 Location Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland Result Scottish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Scotland	Kingdom of England
Commanders and leaders
Lord John Comyn Sir Simon Fraser	Lord John Segrave Sir Ralph Manton  † Sir Robert Neville
Registered battlefield
Designated	14 December 2012
Reference no.	BTL37

The Battle of Roslin happened on 24 February 1303. It was an important Scottish victory during the First War of Scottish Independence. This battle took place near the village of Roslin in Scotland.

Scottish leaders John Comyn and Sir Simon Fraser led their forces. They surprised and defeated an English group. This English group was on a scouting mission. It was led by Lord John Segrave.

Why the Battle Happened

The First War of Scottish Independence was a long conflict. It was fought between Scotland and England. A peace agreement between the two countries ended on 30 November 1302. This meant fighting could start again.

King Edward I of England planned a new invasion of Scotland. He sent Lord John Segrave ahead. Segrave was told to lead a large scouting party. His mission was to explore as far as Kirkintilloch. This was to prepare for the king's bigger army. Segrave's force gathered at Wark on Tweed and then moved north into Scotland.

The Battle Unfolds

The English army marched in three separate groups. The Scottish forces kept bothering them as they moved. At night, the English groups camped several miles apart. This made them vulnerable.

The Scottish commanders, John Comyn and Simon Fraser, acted quickly. They led their Scottish force on a night march. They surprised the English camps. They managed to capture Segrave and some other English soldiers.

Another English group, led by Robert Neville, rushed to help. The Scots eventually let Segrave go. However, the English paymaster, Manton, was killed during the fighting. The Scots won this battle.

Stories and Legends

Many years later, Scottish historian John of Fordun wrote about the battle. He described it as a very tough fight. He said it showed great bravery from the knights. He wrote that John Comyn and Simon Fraser worked hard to bother the English. They marched quickly from Biggar to Roslin in one night. They attacked the English without fear.

Another writer, Walter Bower, also wrote about the battle in the 1400s. Like Fordun, Bower made the battle seem bigger than it was. He described it as a huge victory over an invading army. In reality, it was a win against a large scouting raid. But these stories made the Battle of Roslin seem very important. This idea has stayed popular even today.

Remembering the Battle

A special stone monument marks the battle site. The Roslin Heritage Society built this cairn in the late 1900s. It helps people remember the Battle of Roslin.

Today, the battlefield is being studied. Historic Scotland is working to protect it. They want to add it to the list of historic battlefields in Scotland. This will help preserve the site for future generations.