Draft:Scottish invasion of England (1138)

In 1138, King David I of Scotland invaded England with an army of around 20,000 men, aiming to press the claim of Empress Matilda while also expanding his realm. While the invasion was successful, the Scots suffered a heavy defeat at the Battle of the Standard, where English forces routed the Scottish army. However, England's victory at the standard cost it significant control over much of northern England, which would not escape Scottish hands until the late 1200s.

Scottish invasion of England (1138)
Part of The Anarchy
Location Kingdom of Scotland, Kingdom of England Result Scottish victory Territorial changes Scotland occupies Cumberland, Westmoreland and much of Northumberland.
Belligerents
Scotland	England
Commanders and leaders
David I William fitz Duncan	Stephen of Blois
Strength
17,000	10,000
Casualties and losses
?	?

Background

Taking advantage of The Anarchy, David I of Scotland invaded England, partly to support Empress Matilda, a claimant to the English throne while also aiming to expand his realm.

Invasion

Around January 1138, Scottish forces crossed the Anglo-Scottish border, burning and looting settlements. At the start of April, the Scots laid siege to Norham Castle and began to march south to Lancashire, where they defeated the English at the Battle of Clitheroe.

See also

Siege of Norham

Battle of Clitheroe

Battle of the Standard

Capture of Alnwick

Siege of Wark (1138)