Introduction

The Battle of Langside (May 13th 1568), Glasgow proved a seminal event in the life of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542 – 1587). This conflict followed her escape from imprisonment in Lochleven Castle, north of Edinburgh.

Information on the Battle of Langside

This battle, was, in effect, an intra-family feud. During her sojourn at Lochleven, Mary was forced to abdicate. Subsequently her half-brother James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray (1531-1570) became regent of Scotland. A regent was required owing to the infant status of Mary’s son, James VI.

Mary raised an army of about 6000 men with intention of reaching the security of Dumbarton Castle near Glasgow. This castle is in the west of Scotland and was controlled by a supporter. Apart from security the coastal location provided Mary with option to escape (to France) by ship.

Despite trying to avoid conflict in her move west, it was by chance that Mary’s army encountered the opposing force of Moray totalling perhaps 4000 men. Location was Langside, then a village in farming landscape but now part of Glasgow’s urban sprawl.

Here, Mary’s force were outmatched by superior strategy and the untimely incapacity of her key general, the Earl of Argyll. After a conflict lasting only 45 minutes, 100 of Mary’s men had been killed and 300 taken prisoner. The latter included two of Mary’s loyal aristocrats, Lord Seton and Sir James Hamilton. There are reports of just one casualty on Moray’s side.

After the battle

After the defeat Mary took advice to flee south, where she sought refuge in England. This journey took about three days entailing Mary riding on horseback and sleeping in the open.

Whilst in England Mary was held under a form of house arrest during which time she plotted against her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. Ultimately, Mary was convicted of her treason and executed in 1587.

More information

For more information on Mary, Queen of Scots, Scottish battles and many other aspects of Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4.