Scottish invasions of England facts for kids

The Scottish invasions of England were times when armies from Scotland marched into England. This happened many times over hundreds of years. This article tells you about some of the most important invasions.

Early Invasions (1000s)

King Malcolm III's Attacks

• 1061–1091: King Malcolm III of Scotland led Scottish armies into England four times. He was a powerful king who wanted to expand his kingdom. Malcolm III was killed in a battle called the Battle of Alnwick in 1093.

Medieval Conflicts (1100s)

King David I and the Throne

• 1138: King David I of Scotland invaded England. He did this to support his niece, Matilda. She believed she should be the Queen of England, not King Stephen. The Scottish army was defeated at the Battle of the Standard. This battle is also known as the Battle of Northallerton. Even after this loss, the Scots controlled parts of northern England until 1157.

Royal Support and Barons' Wars (1200s)

Alexander II Helps English Barons

• 1215: King Alexander II led his army into England. He was helping the English barons (powerful nobles) who were fighting against their own king, King John of England. The Scottish forces attacked and looted the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed. They marched all the way to the south coast of England, reaching the port of Dover. In September 1216, Alexander showed his support for Louis VIII of France. Louis was a French prince chosen by the barons to replace King John.

Wars of Independence (1300s)

Fighting for Freedom

• 1322: Scotland invaded England during a time called the Great Raid of 1322. This led to the Battle of Old Byland. This battle was part of the First War of Scottish Independence, where Scotland fought for its freedom from England.
• 1327: Another Scottish invasion of England happened during the Weardale campaign. This ended with the Battle of Stanhope Park. This was also part of the First War of Scottish Independence.
• 1346: King David II of Scotland led a Scottish invasion of England. His army was defeated at the Battle of Neville's Cross near Neville's Cross, Durham. This battle was part of the Second War of Scottish Independence. David II was captured by the English during this invasion.

Tudor Times (1500s)

King James IV's Last Battle

• 1513: King James IV of Scotland invaded England. His army was defeated at the Battle of Flodden near Branxton, Northumberland. King James IV died on the battlefield during this invasion.

Civil Wars and Commonwealth (1600s)

Scottish Armies in English Conflicts

• 1640: Scottish forces, known as Covenanters, invaded England. This was part of the Second Bishops' War. The Scots won the Battle of Newburn. This led to a truce and later a peace agreement called the Treaty of London in 1641.
• 1644: Scottish Covenanter forces, led by the Earl of Leven, invaded Northumberland. This happened during the First English Civil War.
• 1648: Another Scottish army, called the Engagers, led by the Duke of Hamilton, invaded England. They were defeated at the Battle of Preston (1648).
• 1651: Scottish forces, led by David Leslie, invaded England with Charles Stuart (who would become Charles II of England). They were defeated at the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651.

Jacobite Risings (1700s)

The Last Invasion

• 1745: Jacobite forces invaded England. This was part of the Jacobite rising of 1745. The Jacobites wanted to put a different royal family back on the British throne.

See also

• English invasions of Scotland