Edmond de Caillou facts for kids

Edmond de Caillou, also known as Raymond de Caillou, was a brave knight from a region in France called Gascony. He fought during the First War of Scottish Independence, a big conflict between Scotland and England in the early 1300s. He died in the year 1316.

Early Life and Military Role

Edmond de Caillou is thought to have come from Bordeaux, a city in France. Some people believe he was related to Piers Gaveston, who was a very close friend and trusted advisor to Edward II of England. King Edward II, like his father King Edward I, also ruled a part of France called Aquitaine. He often used soldiers from these French lands, like Caillou, to help him in his wars against Scotland. These soldiers were especially important for defending castles along the border, such as Roxburgh Castle and Berwick Castle.

Serving the King

While some old stories say Caillou was the main governor of Berwick Castle, it's more likely he was the leader, or Captain, of the Gascon soldiers stationed there. The actual governor at that time was Sir Maurice de Berkeley.

The Berwick Garrison

In 1315, there wasn't enough food harvested in southern Scotland and northern England. By winter, the soldiers at Berwick Castle were so hungry they had to eat their horses. Many soldiers were also leaving because of the harsh conditions. Caillou and other Gascon leaders suggested they go on a raid into Scottish lands to get more food and supplies for the castle. Sir Maurice de Berkeley, the governor, said no. He knew the countryside was full of Scottish soldiers, and his main job was to protect the town and castle of Berwick.

The Raid for Supplies

But Caillou and his men refused to obey orders. They said it was better to die fighting than to starve inside the castle walls. So, on February 14, 1316, Caillou led his men on a raid. They went close to Melrose Abbey, which was about six miles away. They split into smaller groups to take farm animals and some villagers to help move them back to the castle. Caillou's group gathered enough supplies and started heading back to Berwick, driving the animals in front of them.

The Battle of Skaithmuir

Sir Adam de Gordon saw Caillou's group and reported it to the Scottish leader, Sir James Douglas. Douglas, along with Sir William de Soulis and Henry de Baliol from Branxholme Castle, quickly rode after the Gascons. They found them just north of the town of Coldstream. When Caillou heard they were being chased, he told his men to send the animals and prisoners on to Berwick. He then got his soldiers ready to fight Douglas. Douglas's group was outnumbered, as there were more Gascons than expected.

Douglas positioned his smaller group behind a river crossing and waited for the Gascons to attack. Douglas and Caillou met in the very first clash, and a deadly fight began between them. Caillou was killed by Douglas. When their leader died, Caillou's men lost hope and ran away. Douglas later said that his fight against Caillou and his Gascons at the Battle of Skaithmuir was the hardest fight he ever had in his life.