Berwick, Capture of
Years: 1296 - 1296
The Capture of Berwick is the first significant battle of the First War of Scottish Independence in 1296.
After a raid on Carlisle, the English, under Edward I, begin the initial conquest of Scotland in the first phase of the war.
They go to capture Berwick-upon-Tweed, a city that at this time sits just north of the border and is Scotland's most important trading port.
The garrison is commanded by William the Hardy, Lord of Douglas, while the besieging party is led by Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford.
The English brutally take the city.
As many as ten thousand men, women and children are killed—even a woman giving birth is hacked to pieces during her labor.
Then they take the castle, whereupon Douglas surrenders and his life and those of his garrison are spared.