Battle of Methven

Prelude

Despite the excommunication of Robert the Bruce - for the killing of John Comyn of Badenoch in the chapel of the Minorites at Dumfries in Februray - he was coronated King of Scots at Scone on March 25th 1306. Edward I of England responded by sending an army of 3000 cavalry, under the dreaded Dragon Banner, to capture Bruce and anyone who supported his cause.

Battle

Perth has fallen to the English in mid-June and Bruce decided retake the city with the 4500 men he had mustered since his coronation. Bruce's army reached the city walls on the 18th June but agreed to Pembroke's proposal for a postponement of the battle to the following day. The Scottish army camped for the night a few west of Perth at Methven but were surpised during the night by a sneak attack by the English forces. In the ensuing chaos that followed only a few hundred Scots left with their lives.

Aftermath

Guided by monks sent by Abbot Maurice of Inchaffray Abbey, Bruce and his small band of followers fled westward and were constandly harassed by warriors of John Macdougall, son of the Lord of Argyll and Lorne, sworn enemy of Bruce. After finally escaping to the Western Isles where he and a few friends spent the winter. He was back in Scotland again the following spring and to continue the fight for Scottish independence.

See Also: History -- Military history -- List of battles -- History of Scotland

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