The little-known 14th century battle that has shaped English, Scottish and French relations

A largely fictional 15th century depiction of the Battle of Neville’s Cross from the chronicles of Froissart, Bibliotheque Nationale de France

On October 17, 1346, the battle of Neville’s Cross was fought outside Durham in the north-east of England. It was a decisive moment in Anglo-Scottish history that led to the capture of King David II of Scotland. Yet few have heard of it.

Other battles are far better known. Those of Stirling Bridge (1297), Falkirk (1298) and Bannockburn (1314) are more famous because of the exploits of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Similarly well-known are the successes of Edward III (the Black Prince) and Henry V at Crécy (1346), Poitiers (1356) and Agincourt (1415), respectively.