Battle of Sark battlefield added to Inventory of Historic Battlefields

The site of a decisive battle between Scottish and English forces in 1448 has been added to Historic Environment Scotland's Inventory of Historic Battlefields. For history, archaeology and heritage news, sign up for our free e-newsletter.

The Battle of Sark was the final battle in the Hundred Years War between Scotland and England, and took place close to the River Sark (pictured) southwest of Gretna, in Dumfries & Galloway. It was the first decisive victory of Scotland over England in sixty years.

The Inventory of Historic Battlefields was created in 2011 and is a major resource for enhancing the understanding and appreciation of battlefields, as well as promoting education and stimulating further research on the topic. It helps with the protection and management of battlefields.

Philip Robertson, Historic Environment Scotland’s Deputy Head of Designations for battlefields, said: “The Inventory raises awareness about important battlefield sites which add to our understanding of Scotland’s archaeology and history. Following an application from a member of the public, we carried out further research into the Battle of Sark, and found that it met the criteria to be added to the inventory.

"The battle was fought during a fascinating and tumultuous period of Scottish history, and we hope that by adding it to the inventory we will raise awareness of the battlefield site, stimulate further research around it, and develop its potential as an educational resource and site for visitors.”

For more on the battlefield inventory, visit the HES website.

(Image copyright James T M Towhill)