The Battle of Flodden Field was a significant military conflict that took place on September 9, 1513, near the village of Branxton in Northumberland, England. It was fought between the Kingdom of England, led by King Henry VIII, and the Kingdom of Scotland, under the rule of King James IV. The battle is often referred to as simply the Battle of Flodden or the Battle of Branxton.
This historic confrontation was a part of the ongoing Anglo-Scottish wars, characterized by territorial disputes and power struggles between these neighboring nations. The battle is notable for many reasons, particularly the high casualty counts and the death of King James IV himself, making him the last reigning monarch from the British Isles to die in battle.
The Battle of Flodden Field witnessed the clash of approximately 30,000 troops, with England's forces heavily outnumbering those of Scotland. The English army employed various tactics, including longbowmen, artillery, and infantry, while the Scottish forces relied upon their traditional schiltrons, dense formations of spearmen. The battle culminated in a decisive victory for the English, resulting in over 10,000 casualties on the Scottish side, including the death of numerous nobles and officials.
This battle had far-reaching consequences, severely weakening Scotland's monarchy and contributing to a prolonged period of political instability. The defeat at Flodden Field marked a turning point in Anglo-Scottish relations and significantly influenced subsequent conflicts and negotiations between the two nations.
