The Battle of Halidon Hill occurred in July 1333 and was a significant encounter during the Wars of Scottish Independence. This battle was fought near Berwick-upon-Tweed in the northeast of England and marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for control between England and Scotland. The English forces, numbering approximately 10,000 troops, were commanded by Edward III, who aimed to reaffirm England's dominance over Scotland in the face of persistent Scottish resistance. The Scots, conversely, were led by Sir Archibald Douglas and numbered around 20,000, comprising both noble knights and common soldiers. Despite their numerical superiority, the Scots were poorly positioned and faced a well-coordinated English military strategy, heavily reliant on the use of longbowmen.

As the battle unfolded, English archers commenced a relentless barrage, inflicting severe damage upon the Scots before they could effectively engage in melee combat. The terrain of Halidon Hill offered the English a strategic advantage, as they held the higher ground and could fully utilize their ranged capabilities. The combination of tactical deficiencies on the Scottish side, compounded by the efficiency of English archers, led to a fluid and devastating English advance. Ultimately, the Scots were decisively defeated, with many nobles captured or killed, including Sir Archibald Douglas himself.

This victory strengthened English claims over Scotland and allowed Edward III to seize control of pivotal territories. The fall of Berwick and the subsequent English dominance influenced Scottish politics and military strategies for years to come. The battle not only reinforced the English crown’s aspirations in Scotland but also set the stage for future conflicts, including the prolonged and tumultuous phases of Scottish resistance and eventual uprising as they sought independence in subsequent years.