Battle of Tullich facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Tullich
Part of Glencairn's Rising
Tullich Hill
Date 10 February 1654 Location Tullich, Scotland Result Indecisive (Tactical Royalist victory)
Belligerents
English Commonwealth	Scottish Royalists
Commanders and leaders
Robert Lilburne	Earl of Glencairn Cameron of Lochiel
Strength
2000–3000 men	700 men
Casualties and losses
Heavy	unknown

The Battle of Tullich was a fight that happened on February 10, 1654. It took place in Tullich, Scotland. This battle was part of a bigger event called Glencairn's Rising. In this fight, a Scottish Royalist group, led by Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, pushed back a larger English force. The English army was commanded by Robert Lilburne.

Why the Battle Happened

After a big battle at Worcester in 1651, England won against King Charles II and his Scottish friends. Because of this, the English Parliament wanted Scotland to join the English Commonwealth. The Commonwealth was like a republic, not ruled by a king.

However, many people in Scotland, especially in the Highlands, didn't want to be ruled by England. They still supported their exiled King Charles II.

In early 1653, King Charles II chose the Earl of Glencairn to lead the Royalist forces in Scotland. Glencairn's job was to gather support from clan leaders in the Highlands. He also started a guerrilla campaign. This is a type of fighting where small groups use surprise attacks, rather than big battles.

The Battle of Tullich

Who Fought at Tullich?

One important leader helping Glencairn was Ewen Cameron of Lochiel. He was a Scottish Highland chief of the Clan Cameron. At the time of the battle, Glencairn was fighting in the Eastern Highlands. Ewen and his clansmen were camped at Tullich. Their job was to protect Glencairn's army from a surprise attack by the English.

The English Attack

The English army, led by General Robert Lilburne, was trying to find Glencairn. They eventually found their way to Tullich. When the English soldiers got close, Ewen sent a warning to Glencairn. Then, he got ready to defend the narrow pass.

The fighting started soon after. Ewen's Cameron clansmen bravely stopped the English advance. They fought off several attacks. As the battle continued, the English also tried to go around the Scots, but they couldn't.

The Retreat and Pursuit

After many hours of fighting, the Scots had caused heavy losses for the English. Ewen was then ordered to pull back. This meant the pass was now open. However, the English army was tired and had lost many soldiers. They couldn't keep fighting in the difficult mountain terrain.

As the English started to go back towards Inverness, Ewen and his clansmen saw their chance. They went on the attack, chasing and bothering the English for several miles.

What Happened Next?

Ewen returned to Glencairn's camp, celebrating his success. He was called "The Deliverer of the Highland Army." Later, Ewen even received a letter from King Charles himself. The King praised Ewen for his bravery in the battle.