09 September 2022
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The Flodden Memorial at Branxton, Northumberland. Copyright Stephen Kay
King James IV of Scotland was killed at the Battle of Flodden Field on 9 September 1513. ...
King James IV of Scotland was killed at the Battle of Flodden Field on 9 September 1513. The battle was fought at Branxton in Northumberland, and saw opposing Scottish and English forces of between 20,000 and 30,000 men.
Despite the similar size of the two armies, the promising position taken by James IV's forces on the battlefield proved of little worth when faced with English artillery, which proved to be superior in the rain-logged conditions on the day.
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Up to 10,000 Scots were killed at Flodden Field and as well as losing its king, Scotland also lost fourteen prominent earls. A body which was said to be that of James IV was taken from the field and eventually buried, rumours persisted that the king had actually escaped and was living overseas.
King James IV was succeeded by his infant son, who became King James V of Scotland.
