Scottish Battles. Solway Moss (1542)

🗺️ Battle of Solway Moss – 1542

Date: 24 November 1542
Location: Solway Moss, near Longtown, Cumbria, England
Combatants:

• English: Approximately 3,000 men led by Sir Thomas Wharton
• Scottish: Approximately 15,000–18,000 men under Lord Maxwell and Sir Oliver Sinclair
  Outcome: Decisive English victory
  Casualties:
• English: 7 killed
• Scottish: 20 killed, over 1,200 captured, several hundred drowned
  Aftermath: The defeat led to the death of King James V of Scotland shortly thereafter.

🖼️ Battle Map

🛡️ Tactical Overview

The battle unfolded as follows:

• Scottish Advance: The Scots, numbering around 15,000–18,000, advanced into England with the intent to raid the border region.
• English Response: Sir Thomas Wharton, leading a smaller force of 3,000 men, intercepted the Scots near Solway Moss.
• Terrain Challenges: The Scots found themselves in a precarious position between the River Esk and the boggy terrain of Solway Moss, which hindered their movement and coordination.
• English Cavalry Charge: The English cavalry launched a decisive charge, exploiting the disarray among the Scottish ranks.
• Scottish Surrender: Facing encirclement and with their forces in disarray, the Scots surrendered, with many being captured or drowned in the marshes and rive