Battle of Solway Moss - Battle

Battle

On 24 November 1542, an army of 15,000–18,000 Scots advanced into England. Lord Maxwell, though never officially designated commander of the force, declared he would lead the attack in person. A report of George Douglas of Pittendreich who was not present, and some later chronicle accounts say that in the absence of Maxwell, Oliver Sinclair James V's favourite, declared himself to be James's chosen commander. According to this account of battle, the other commanders refused to accept his command and the command structure disintegrated. The English commanders Sir Thomas Wharton and Sir William Musgrove made reports of the battle. William Musgrove reported that Maxwell was still in charge and fought with the rest of the Scottish nobles who were forced to dismount on the bank of the River Esk.

The Scots advance into England was met near Solway Moss by Thomas Wharton and his 3,000 men. The battle was uncoordinated and may be described as a rout. Sir Thomas Wharton described the battle as the overthrow of the Scots between the rivers Esk and Lyne. The Scots, after the first encounter of a cavalry chase at "Akeshawsill", now Oakshawhill, moved "down" towards Arthuret Howes. They found themselves penned in south of the Esk, on English territory between the river and the Moss, and so after intense fighting surrendered themselves and their 10 field guns to the English cavalry. Wharton said the Scots were halted at the Sandy Ford by Arthuret mill dam. The Scots were 'beguiled by their own guiding', according to one Scottish writer. Several hundred of the Scots may have drowned in the marshes and river.

James, who was not present at the battle (he had remained at Lochmaben), withdrew to Falkland Palace humiliated and ill with fever. He died there two weeks later at the age of thirty. According to George Douglas, in his delirium he lamented the capture of his banner and Oliver Sinclair at Solway Moss more than his other losses. He left behind a six-day-old daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots.