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February 19, 1314 - The Capture of Roxburgh Castle
More events from this day - https://bagtownclans.com/index.php/thisday/february-19/
Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we journey back to a cold February night in 1314, when a cunning and fearless Scottish knight, Sir James Douglas—better known as the "Black Douglas"—executed one of the most audacious attacks of the Wars of Scottish Independence: the capture of Roxburgh Castle. And if you’re curious about other fascinating events that happened on this day in history, be sure to check out my blog at https://bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!
By the early 14th century, Scotland was locked in a brutal struggle for independence against England. King Edward I, known as the "Hammer of the Scots," had spent years trying to bring Scotland under English rule, and his son, Edward II, continued the campaign. Castles were the key to control, and Roxburgh Castle, perched on the River Tweed, was one of the most formidable strongholds in the Scottish Borders. It was held by an English garrison, serving as a crucial outpost for Edward’s forces. If Robert the Bruce wanted to solidify his claim to the throne, he needed to dismantle English power—one castle at a time.
Enter James Douglas. A loyal supporter of Bruce and a warrior feared by the English, Douglas had already made a name for himself with his ruthless guerrilla tactics. His ability to strike swiftly, destroy enemy strongholds, and disappear into the rugged Scottish landscape earned him a fearsome reputation. He was so dreaded by the English that mothers were said to silence their unruly children with the phrase, "Hush! The Black Douglas will get you!" But the challenge of capturing Roxburgh was immense. The castle's defenses were strong, and a direct assault would have been suicidal. So Douglas and his men turned to deception.
Legend has it that under the cover of darkness, Douglas and his men disguised themselves—some say as cattle, others say as humble peasants draped in black cloaks to blend into the night. Slowly, carefully, they crept closer to the fortress, undetected by the English guards who, at the time, were distracted by their Shrovetide celebrations—an evening of feasting and drinking before Lent. The revelry and false sense of security would be their undoing.
When they reached the castle walls, Douglas’s men revealed their true intent. Using rope ladders, they scaled the battlements and took the English completely by surprise. The garrison, caught in a drunken stupor, was in no state to mount an effective defense. The Scots unleashed swift and brutal force, cutting down the defenders and securing the fortress for Scotland.
The capture of Roxburgh Castle was more than just a tactical victory. It was a demoralizing blow to the English and a key moment in Robert the Bruce’s campaign. The timing was critical—just months later, in June 1314, Bruce would face Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn, the decisive confrontation that would cement Scottish independence. The fall of Roxburgh weakened English supply lines and morale, setting the stage for Bruce’s greatest triumph.
But Douglas’s legendary exploits didn’t end there. In the years that followed, he continued to harass the English, capturing key locations and striking fear into enemy ranks. His ability to outthink and outmaneuver the English made him one of the most effective warriors of the war.
As for Roxburgh Castle itself, Bruce ordered its destruction to prevent it from ever falling back into English hands. It was never fully rebuilt, and today, its ruins stand as a silent testament to that daring night when the Black Douglas and his warriors struck fear into the hearts of their enemies.
The story of Roxburgh Castle’s capture is just one of many daring exploits in Scotland’s long fight for independence. It was a time of immense struggle, but also of incredible resilience. Men like Robert the Bruce and James Douglas refused to accept defeat, shaping the course of Scottish history forever.
Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope you’ve enjoyed this tale of strategy, bravery, and a little bit of deception. Don't forget to check out my blog for more historical events at https://bagtownclans.com/thisday. Tune in tomorrow for another journey through Scotland’s remarkable past. I'm Colin MacDonald—Haste Ye Back!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com
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By Bagtown ClansMore events from this day - https://bagtownclans.com/index.php/thisday/february-19/
Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we journey back to a cold February night in 1314, when a cunning and fearless Scottish knight, Sir James Douglas—better known as the "Black Douglas"—executed one of the most audacious attacks of the Wars of Scottish Independence: the capture of Roxburgh Castle. And if you’re curious about other fascinating events that happened on this day in history, be sure to check out my blog at https://bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!
By the early 14th century, Scotland was locked in a brutal struggle for independence against England. King Edward I, known as the "Hammer of the Scots," had spent years trying to bring Scotland under English rule, and his son, Edward II, continued the campaign. Castles were the key to control, and Roxburgh Castle, perched on the River Tweed, was one of the most formidable strongholds in the Scottish Borders. It was held by an English garrison, serving as a crucial outpost for Edward’s forces. If Robert the Bruce wanted to solidify his claim to the throne, he needed to dismantle English power—one castle at a time.
Enter James Douglas. A loyal supporter of Bruce and a warrior feared by the English, Douglas had already made a name for himself with his ruthless guerrilla tactics. His ability to strike swiftly, destroy enemy strongholds, and disappear into the rugged Scottish landscape earned him a fearsome reputation. He was so dreaded by the English that mothers were said to silence their unruly children with the phrase, "Hush! The Black Douglas will get you!" But the challenge of capturing Roxburgh was immense. The castle's defenses were strong, and a direct assault would have been suicidal. So Douglas and his men turned to deception.
Legend has it that under the cover of darkness, Douglas and his men disguised themselves—some say as cattle, others say as humble peasants draped in black cloaks to blend into the night. Slowly, carefully, they crept closer to the fortress, undetected by the English guards who, at the time, were distracted by their Shrovetide celebrations—an evening of feasting and drinking before Lent. The revelry and false sense of security would be their undoing.
When they reached the castle walls, Douglas’s men revealed their true intent. Using rope ladders, they scaled the battlements and took the English completely by surprise. The garrison, caught in a drunken stupor, was in no state to mount an effective defense. The Scots unleashed swift and brutal force, cutting down the defenders and securing the fortress for Scotland.
The capture of Roxburgh Castle was more than just a tactical victory. It was a demoralizing blow to the English and a key moment in Robert the Bruce’s campaign. The timing was critical—just months later, in June 1314, Bruce would face Edward II at the Battle of Bannockburn, the decisive confrontation that would cement Scottish independence. The fall of Roxburgh weakened English supply lines and morale, setting the stage for Bruce’s greatest triumph.
But Douglas’s legendary exploits didn’t end there. In the years that followed, he continued to harass the English, capturing key locations and striking fear into enemy ranks. His ability to outthink and outmaneuver the English made him one of the most effective warriors of the war.
As for Roxburgh Castle itself, Bruce ordered its destruction to prevent it from ever falling back into English hands. It was never fully rebuilt, and today, its ruins stand as a silent testament to that daring night when the Black Douglas and his warriors struck fear into the hearts of their enemies.
The story of Roxburgh Castle’s capture is just one of many daring exploits in Scotland’s long fight for independence. It was a time of immense struggle, but also of incredible resilience. Men like Robert the Bruce and James Douglas refused to accept defeat, shaping the course of Scottish history forever.
Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope you’ve enjoyed this tale of strategy, bravery, and a little bit of deception. Don't forget to check out my blog for more historical events at https://bagtownclans.com/thisday. Tune in tomorrow for another journey through Scotland’s remarkable past. I'm Colin MacDonald—Haste Ye Back!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bagtown.substack.com