First War of Scottish Independence

Battle of Roslin
Battle of Roslin ©HistoryMaps
1303 Feb 24

Battle of Roslin

Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland,

The Battle of Roslin, fought on 24 February 1303 during the First War of Scottish Independence, ended in a Scottish victory against an English reconnaissance force led by Lord John Segrave. The conflict occurred near Roslin village, where Scots commanders John Comyn and Sir Simon Fraser orchestrated an ambush on the English.


Leading up to the battle, a truce between England and Scotland expired on 30 November 1302, prompting English preparations for a renewed invasion. Edward I appointed Segrave as his lieutenant in Scotland, instructing him to conduct an extensive reconnaissance mission into Scottish territory, starting from Wark on Tweed northwards.


During the engagement, the English, advancing in three separate divisions and experiencing harassment by Scottish forces, made the tactical error of camping in dispersed locations. This strategic misstep allowed Comyn and Fraser to conduct a night assault, resulting in the capture of Segrave among others. Despite a countermove by Robert Neville's division to support the English forces, the Scots secured a decisive victory, leading to the death of the English paymaster Manton and the temporary capture of Segrave before his release.


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