Captured in the mist: The Battle of Alnwick, 1174

Captured in the mist: The Battle of Alnwick, 1174

We have been learning about Scottish history, a topic I always find so fascinating. Yesterday we discovered a little about the story of Malcolm III and Queen Margaret, and today I want to turn our attention to the Battle of Alnwick. Not the one that Malcolm took part in but one that took place much later.

The Battle of Alnwick was a dramatic clash on the Anglo-Scottish border and it reminds us just how personal and unpredictable medieval warfare could be.

In the mid-twelfth century, relations between England and Scotland were tense and extremely fragile. The borders were not fixed lines but moving lines that controlled influence, loyalty could change quickly and raids were a reality. King William I of Scotland, often referred to as William the Lion, had ambitions to regain control of northern England territories that earlier Scottish rulers had once held. As a king, he was expected to defend Scottish interests above all else and to prove his strength in the turbulent politics of the time.

In 1173, an opportunity seemed to appear. England was plunged into complete chaos during the rebellion against King Henry II, which was led by his own sons. For William, this must have looked like a rare chance to push his claims while England was distracted. He joined the rebellion and invaded northern England. At first, Scottish forces carried out raids across Northumberland, a region that had lived with the fear of sudden attacks for a long time. For local people, these incursions must have been terrifying, bringing fear, losses and disruption to everyday life.

By the summer of 1174, William’s momentum was beginning to shift. English resistance was getting stronger and castles remained stubborn obstacles to his aims. On the 13th of July 1174, near the town of Alnwick, events took a sudden and unexpected turn. William was perhaps feeling confident or even eager to maintain the pressure, he was separated from the main body of his army with only a small group of knights. It was a risky position but medieval warfare often involved dangerous decision, leaders were expected to share in the danger faced by their men, not just stand on the side line.

A force of English knights, led by commanders loyal to Henry II, learned of William’s location. Despite them being heavily outnumbered, they chose to act quickly, they were perhaps driven by loyalty, courage, and the knowledge that capturing a king would change everything. They rode through mist and the surprise attack worked in their favour. When they encountered William’s party near Alnwick, a fierce skirmish broke out. 

William fought bravely, as kings were expected to do, but the odds were against him. He was eventually captured, a moment that must have been shocking not only for him but for everyone involved. For a medieval king, capture was both humiliating and a political disaster. 

William was taken into English custody, and news of his capture quickly spread. For Henry II, this was an extraordinary stroke of fortune. The rebellion he was facing suddenly seemed far less threatening with the Scottish king captured. William was eventually forced to sign the Treaty of Falaise, acknowledging Henry as his feudal overlord and placing Scotland in an inferior position 

The consequences were felt far beyond the battlefield. Scotland has lost a great deal of its independence and England had strengthened its power at a critical moment. 

Over time, William the Lion worked hard to restore Scotland’s independence, and the Treaty of Falaise was eventually overturned. But the Battle of Alnwick was reminder of how one single unexpected encounter could change the course of history. 

Do you think William’s capture was mainly the result of bad luck, or was it the inevitable outcome of taking such bold risks?

Image info:

William the Lion brought before Henry II

Date: 1922