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In response to a request from the French king, Phillip VI, who had recently been defeated by the English at Crecy, our lovable neighbours under their king, David II of Scotland launched a pre-emptive raid into England. The northern shires quickly raised an army of around 15,000 men and intercepted the Scots army, 20,000 strong at Durham.
As at Hallidon Hill, the Scots army advanced into a blizzard of English archery. The right wing' having its way blocked by a ravine, crowded in on the centre and the charge broke down as the casualties and confusion mounted. The Scottish left wing succeeded in reaching the English line but was mown down by a counter-attack. This only left the Scottish centre which was now open to flank attacks and this was finally overwhelmed.
The English casualty figures are unknown but moderate. The Scottish dead are also unknown but one quoted figure puts the dead at a massive 15,000 (well, they started it!).
The Scottish humiliation was worsened with David himself being captured and held in the Tower until 1357 when the last instalment of his ransom was paid (took them 11 years to raise the money... tight bastards!).
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