Battle of Sauchieburn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Sauchieburn
Part of the second rebellion against James III
Date 11 June 1488 Location south of Stirling, Scotland 56°04′N 3°55′W / 56.067°N 3.917°W / 56.067; -3.917 Result Rebel victory
Belligerents
Scottish Crown	Rebels
Commanders and leaders
King James III  † Duke of Montrose Earl of Menteith Earl of Glencairn  † MacKenzie of Gairloch	Duke of Rothesay Lord Home Earl of Angus Earl of Eglinton
Strength
c. 30,000	c. 18,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown, but higher than the rebels	Low
Registered battlefield
Designated	14 December 2012
Reference no.	BTL38

The Battle of Sauchieburn was a major conflict fought on June 11, 1488. It took place near a stream called Sauchie Burn, about 2 miles south of Stirling, Scotland. This battle was fought between the forces loyal to King James III of Scotland and a large group of rebellious Scottish nobles. The rebels were led by the king's own 15-year-old son, James, Duke of Rothesay. King James III was killed during or shortly after the battle, and his son succeeded him as King James IV.

The King and His Son

King James III had been facing a rebellion for several months. A series of complicated events led to the Battle of Sauchieburn. The rebels had made James, Duke of Rothesay, their leader earlier that year. King James III wanted to get his son back and end the conflict.

The King's Movements

The King broke his promise to negotiate first. Instead, he traveled south to Edinburgh from his northern stronghold. This decision caused some of his strong supporters to leave him. They decided to stay neutral in the conflict.

In May, King James moved to Blackness Castle to use it as a base. His son, the Duke of Rothesay, was at Linlithgow. The King tried to reach his son there, but his attempts were stopped in a small fight. King James was forced back to Blackness. From there, he fled, leaving behind people he had given as hostages to the rebels.

By May 16, he was back in Edinburgh. He started spending money to gather new supporters. At this point, the rebels were split, some at Stirling and some at Linlithgow. King James took action again. He made a sudden move to Fife with his supporters. On June 10, he advanced on Stirling and surprised the rebels. He drove them southwards.

This left King James with the town of Stirling. On June 11, he advanced to meet the combined forces of the rebels. These forces included those driven from Stirling and those who had come from Linlithgow. To help him in battle, King James had the sword of Robert the Bruce with him.

The Battle's Outcome

The battle went very badly for the Royalists, King James III's side. King James III died during or shortly after the battle. His son, the Duke of Rothesay, then became King James IV.

Stories About the King's Death

There are many old stories and legends about how King James III died. Some say he was killed at Milltown, near Bannockburn, soon after the battle. These stories claim he fled the battle and was assassinated by someone pretending to be a priest. However, there is no strong evidence from that time to prove these stories are true.

One story says that before the battle, a noble named David Lindsay, 2nd Lord Lindsay gave King James III a very fast horse. This horse was supposed to carry him quickly into or away from the battle. But, the story goes, the horse threw the King during the fight. King James III was either killed in the fall or finished off by enemy soldiers.

James IV's Guilt

The Duke of Rothesay became King James IV and ruled for 25 years. He felt very guilty about his indirect role in his father's death. To show his sorrow, he decided to do penance. He wore an iron belt around his waist, next to his skin, for the rest of his life. He added more weight to the belt every year.

Today, the battlefield is being studied and protected by Historic Scotland. This is part of a plan to preserve important historical sites.

Who Fought in the Battle?

Many important people and groups took part in the Battle of Sauchieburn.

Royalist Forces

These were the people who supported King James III:

• Alexander Cunningham, 1st Earl of Glencairn: He was killed in the battle.
• Malise Graham, 1st Earl of Menteith
• David Lindsay, 1st Duke of Montrose
• Lord Erskine
• Lord Graham
• Lord Maxwell
• Sir William Ruthven, 1st Laird of Ruthven
• David Lindsay, 2nd Lord Lindsay: He is mentioned in a later story about giving King James III the horse that threw him.
• Sir Thomas Sempill of Eliotston, Sheriff of Renfrew: He was killed in battle.
• William Douglas of Cavers and his followers.
• Roger Grierson I of Lag: He was badly wounded.
• Most of the troops came from Scotland's northern counties and some towns.

Rebel Forces

These were the nobles and their followers who fought against King James III:

• Alexander Home, 2nd Lord Home
• Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus
• Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell
• Lord Gray
• Lord (Hugh) Mongomerie, 1st Earl of Elington
• Most of their troops came from East Lothian, the Merse, Galloway, and the border counties.