Capture of Roxburgh (1460) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capture of Roxburgh
Part of the Anglo-Scottish Wars
Date July – August 1460 Location Roxburgh Castle, Anglo-Scottish Border 55°35′48″N 2°27′24″W / 55.5966°N 2.4566°W / 55.5966; -2.4566 Result Limited Scottish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Scotland	Kingdom of England
Commanders and leaders
King James II  † Queen Mary	Unknown
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The capture of Roxburgh was an important event during the Anglo-Scottish Wars, which were conflicts between Scotland and England. In 1460, King James II led a campaign to take back Roxburgh and Berwick from English control. At this time, England was busy with its own civil war, called the Wars of the Roses. Sadly, King James II died during the siege of Roxburgh when a cannon exploded.

Why Did the Siege Happen?

Roxburgh: An English Stronghold in Scotland

For a long time, after the Wars of Scottish Independence, Roxburgh Castle was one of the last castles in Scotland still held by the English. It was a symbol of English power on Scottish land.

England's Civil War: The Wars of the Roses

By 1460, England was in the middle of a big civil war known as the Wars of the Roses. This war was fought between two powerful families, the House of Lancaster and the House of York, who both wanted control of the English throne. Both sides in England asked King James II for help.

King James II's Plan

King James II saw this as a perfect chance for Scotland to get back Roxburgh and Berwick. These towns were important for Scotland's borders. The English thought James would attack Berwick first, but he surprised them by heading for Roxburgh instead.

The Siege of Roxburgh Castle

The Attack Begins

King James II and his army arrived at Roxburgh in July 1460. They first attacked the town, which was controlled by the English. They used powerful cannons to bombard the town, causing a lot of damage. After the town was taken, the castle still refused to give up, so James began a siege. A siege is when an army surrounds a castle or town and tries to force its defenders to surrender by cutting off supplies or attacking it.

A King's Tragic End

On August 3rd, a terrible accident happened. King James II was standing near one of his large cannons and ordered it to be fired. The cannon suddenly exploded, badly wounding him. He died from his injuries. This was a huge shock for the Scottish army.

Queen Mary Takes Charge

Even with the king's death, his wife, Queen Mary, showed great courage. She quickly arrived at the siege and ordered the army to keep fighting. Her leadership inspired the Scottish soldiers to continue their efforts.

The Castle Surrenders

Thanks to Queen Mary's determination, Roxburgh Castle finally surrendered on August 5th. The English defenders were allowed to leave safely, and no prisoners were taken. This was a victory for Scotland, even though it came at a great cost.

What Happened After the Siege?

After James II was killed during the siege, the castle was slighted and left in ruins.

Roxburgh Castle Destroyed

After the castle was captured, it was "slighted." This means it was deliberately destroyed so that the English could never use it as a stronghold again. Today, Roxburgh Castle remains in ruins.

New Leaders for Scotland

With King James II gone, Queen Mary of Guelders and Bishop James Kennedy became the regents. This meant they ruled Scotland until James II's young son, James III of Scotland, was old enough to take the throne. Queen Mary proved to be a very skilled diplomat. She even managed to gain control of Berwick for Scotland by helping one of the sides in England's Wars of the Roses.