Battle of Flodden

Significance

The Battle of Flodden, fought near Branxton in Northumberland in September 1513, was the largest battle ever fought between the kingdoms of England and Scotland in terms of troop numbers, with Scottish forces numbering between 30,000 and 40,000 and the English army between 20,000 and 30,000. The engagement formed part of the wider War of the League of Cambrai, in which Scotland's invasion of northern England represented action on a second front while English forces were committed on the continent. The battle resulted in an English victory under the Earl of Surrey over the invading Scots army commanded personally by King James IV. Scottish casualties, estimated between 5,000 and 14,000 against English losses of 1,500 to 1,700, indicate the severity of the Scottish defeat. The presence of Catherine of Aragon among the English commanders credited with organizing the response underscores the strategic weight England attached to defending its northern border during the continental campaign.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (12)