The Battle of Boroughbridge
by Ellen Castelow
The Battle of Boroughbridge was the culmination of a lengthy dispute between King Edward II and his cousin Thomas, Earl of Lancaster.
The rebel forces of Lancaster were retreating northwards following their defeat by the king at Burton on Trent, when they found their way blocked by 4,000 royalists commanded by Sir Andrew de Harcla, Warden of Carlisle.
The royalists had taken position on a narrow bridge that crossed the River Ure on the Great North Road. Using a defensive spear wall, protected by archers, the rebels were prevented from crossing.
The Earl of Lancaster was captured and later executed.
Click here for a Battlefield Map
Key Facts:
Date: 16th March, 1322
War: Despenser War
Location: Boroughbridge, Yorkshire
Belligerents: Kingdom of England (Royalists), Marcher Lords
Victors: Kingdom of England (Royalists)
Numbers: Royalists around 4,000, Marcher Lords around 1,000
Casualties: Unknown
Commanders: Andrew Harclay (Royalists), Thomas Earl of Lancaster (Marcher Lords – pictured to the right alongside St. George)
Location:
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