In the confusing dynastic confusion left in the wake of the death of Henry I of England, the enterprising and ambitious King David of Scotland entered northern England with an army of over 15,000 men to claim the earldom of Northumberland as his own. The English churchmen and nobles of the north did not see this as anything other than a barbaric invasion by the 'breechless and barbarous Scots', and prepared to turn the ravaging enemy forces back. Led by the aged Thurstan, Archbishop of York, Ranulph the Bishop of Durham, Walter l'Espec and William of Albmarle, Earl of Yorkshire, 12,000 English levies and Norman nobles rode north to confront the Scots. This was to be a battle of annihilation for one side or the other.

Orders of Battle

Conquest Period Pre-Feudal Scots

King David's Command

1 x General stand HC Veteran, L/Sh
1 x 2 stands Scottish knights, HC Veterans, L/Sh
1 x 6 stands Highlanders, UI Wb(F), Axe/Sh or Var/Shield
1 x 2 stands Norman Knights, HC Veteran, L/Sh
1 x 9 stands Lowland Spears (Moray), UI Warriors, LSp/Sh
2 x 4 stands Islemen HI Veterans, Axe/Sh or Var/Sh

Prince Henry's Command

1 x General stand HC Veteran, L/Sh
2 x 2 stands Norman Knights, HC Veteran, L/Sh
1 x 6 stands Ettrick Archers SI or UI Warriors, Bows
2 x 9 stands Spearmen (Cumbrians) UI Warriors, LSp/Sh

Ulrich's Command

1 x General stand HI Veteran, Axe/Various & 1 stand Bodyguard
6 x 6 stands Galwegians UI Wb(F), Axe & Various

Fitz-Duncan's Command

1 x General stand HC Veteran, L/Sh & 1 stand Bodyguard the same
2 x 9 stands Spearmen (Lothians) UI Warriors, LSp/Sh
2 x 6 stands Highlanders UI Wb(F), Axe/Sh or Var/Sh
1 x 6 stands Javelinmen SI Warriors, Javelin/Sh

Anglo-Normans

William de Aumarle's (Commander in Chief) Command

1 x General stand HC Veteran, L/Sh
1 x 6 stands Yorkshire Levy UI Warriors, Axe/Sh & Sp/Sh
3 x 2 stands Dismounted Knights HI Veterans, Spear/Sh and 4 stands Levy Archers UI Warriors, Bows
1 x 6 stands SI Warriors, Bows

Walter l'Espec's Command

1 x General stand HC Veteran, L/Sh & 1 stand Bodyguard the same1 x 6 stands Yorkshire Levy UI Warriors, Axe/Sh & Sp/Sh
3 x 2 stands Dismounted Knights HI Veterans, Spear/Sh and 4 stands Levy Archers UI Warriors, Bows

Ralph's Command

1 x Priest stand & 4 LAI Warrior, Sp/Sh with Wagon and Sacred Banner
4 x 4 stands Fyrd UI Poor, Spear/Sh guarding Wagon

De Balloil's Command

1 x General stand HC Veterans, L/Sh & 1 stand Bodyguard the same
2 x 4 stands Dismounted Knights HI Veterans, Spear/Shield
OR substitute mounted knights, 10 stands of HC, Veterans, L/Sh
2 x 9 stands Levy fyrd, UI Warriors, 1/3 Sp/Sh, 2/3 Bows

We are using a bit more terrain than normal for this battle, with woods on either flank. Both armies will start the battle on a series of low hills, but the Scots because of their warbands, will be the attackers.