Peers, Chris Border Battle

Northumberland in the Anglo-scottish Wars, 1018-1513

Border Battles describes the events that took place on the battlefields of the Anglo-Scottish wars from 1018 to 1513. Author Chris Peers combines these with a historical account of the campaigns, the political situation that led to them, and the geographical factors that shaped them. These include the two dramatic battles at Alnwick in 1093 and 1174, which underlined the superiority of the Anglo-Norman cavalry, the little-known Battle of Carham, the battles at Berwick-upon-Tweed - the most contested town in Britain - and Flodden, the largest and bloodiest battle ever fought in the region between the two rival kingdoms. One chapter is also devoted to the castles built during this period to defend Northumberland against Scottish incursions, which remain important features of the landscape to this day. The general principles of medieval defences are discussed, as well as the specific strategic location of Bamborough, Warkworth, Alnwick and Chillingham castles in particular. Complementing The Highland Battles (2020) and Clan Battles (2023), each chapter ends with a guide to visiting the sites, and the book is illustrated with photographs of both the battlefields featured and other notable sights.