Clan
Sinclair
[Clan Sinclair]
History
Early
   Modern
   History
[up]
[prev] [next]
K. Peter's
   Crusade
   1365
Zeno
   Map
   (1398)
King of Scots
   James IV
   entertains
   Perkin
   Warbeck
   1495
B. Flodden
   1513
B. Summerdale
   1529
B. Solway
   Moss
   1542
B. Altgawn
   1586
B. Kringom
   1612
[Swedish Sinclairs]
   Sweden
Battle of
   Altimarlach
   1680
Sponsor:
Q

The Battle of Solway Moss, 1542

From: "Privateers" <Privateers@privateers.org>
Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1999 12:01:27 +0100

James V defeated the English at Haddon Rig in August 1542.

Oliver Sinclair of Pitcairns was placed at the head of an army of ten thousand. Sinclair was told to invade England.

The invasion was met at Solway Moss by Sir Thomas Wharton and his army of three thousand. Battle joined.

James V thought highly of Sinclair, he was the kings favourite. The nobles Sinclair commanded had no respect for him. Inward politics pirouetted to in-fighting. Many nobles left the field before the battle rather than follow Sinclair.

The Borderers, foot soldiers, wavered in their loyalty to King James. He had persecuted them during his reign.

Many regarded capture by the English favourable to death for a tyrant King and his favourite.

On 24 November, 1542 the uncoordinated misled battle resulted in minimal casualties. Large numbers of Scots, twelve hundred in fact, were taken prisoners, including Sinclair.

The King, after waiting for the outcome watched his Army three times the size of Henry VIII go down in defeat, James V fled to Edinburgh.

James died a fortnight after the battle at Linlithgow.

Sinclair
Last changed: 99/11/21 14:37:01 [Clan Sinclair]