Brian Layton facts for kids
Sir Brian Layton (died 27 February 1545) was an English soldier. He was the Captain of Norham Castle, an important fort on the border between England and Scotland. His job was to protect the border and keep an eye on what was happening in Scotland.
Watching the Border
As Captain of Norham Castle, Sir Brian Layton had a very important job. He watched the border between England and Scotland closely. This was a time when the two countries often had conflicts.
In December 1539, his soldiers tracked an English priest named Dr. Hilliard. This priest was trying to escape into Scotland. Layton's men caught Hilliard's servant. But Hilliard himself managed to cross the River Tweed near a place called Coldstream.
Layton had spies in Scotland. They found out that Hilliard was welcomed by the Prioress of Coldstream. He hoped to meet a powerful Scottish leader, David Beaton.
In April 1540, Layton noticed something interesting. He saw fires lit in Scottish villages on the night of Trinity Sunday. These fires celebrated the birth of the son of Mary of Guise and James V of Scotland. On the same day, Layton questioned a Scottish man. He wanted to know about King James V's secret plans for a sea voyage.
Trouble at the Castle
In October 1542, Sir Brian Layton heard worrying rumors. Some soldiers in his own castle, Norham, were supposedly planning to give the castle to the Scots. Layton questioned the soldiers he suspected. He sent reports to Cuthbert Tunstall, who was the Bishop of Durham. These reports give us useful information about the castle and how the soldiers lived there.
Fighting in Scotland
Sir Brian Layton joined a group of horsemen from the border. They rode with the English forces during the burning of Edinburgh (1544). This was a major attack on the Scottish capital.
In February 1545, Layton and Ralph Eure led an English invasion into Scotland. This was part of a conflict known as the Rough Wooing. During this invasion, the English soldiers destroyed tombs of the Douglas family at Melrose Abbey.
Sadly, both Sir Brian Layton and Ralph Eure were killed in battle. They died at the Battle of Ancrum Moor.
