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March 14, 1313 - Recapture of Edinburgh Castle
More Events on This Day in Irish History - https://bagtownclans.com/index.php/thisday/march-14/
Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we turn our attention to the night of March 14, 1313, when one of the most daring military feats of the Wars of Scottish Independence took place—the recapture of Edinburgh Castle. A formidable fortress atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle had been under English control, serving as a critical stronghold for Edward II’s forces. But on this fateful night, Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, led a small band of warriors in a near-impossible climb up the sheer cliffs, reclaiming the castle for Scotland. And if you’re curious about other fascinating events in Scottish history, be sure to check out my blog at https://bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!
By 1313, Robert the Bruce was steadily regaining control of Scotland, winning battles and reclaiming lost territory from the English. But Edinburgh Castle remained a powerful symbol of English rule, looming over the city from its near-impenetrable perch atop Castle Rock. A direct assault was out of the question—the fortress had towering walls, a heavily armed garrison, and was protected on nearly all sides by sheer cliffs. Any army attempting a frontal attack would be annihilated before they even reached the gate.
Enter Thomas Randolph. A nephew of Robert the Bruce, Randolph had earned his reputation as a skilled and determined commander. Bruce had tasked him with retaking the castle, but even for a warrior of his experience, it seemed an impossible mission. However, fortune favored the Scots in the form of a local man named William Francis. Francis had once served in the castle garrison and knew of a secret path up the steep rock face. He had scaled it before, under cover of darkness, to visit a woman in the town below. Now, this same hidden route would become the key to one of the most audacious attacks in Scottish history.
On the night of March 14, Randolph and a handpicked group of thirty warriors gathered at the base of Castle Rock. Armed with nothing but their weapons and sheer determination, they began their treacherous ascent. The climb was brutal—one slip would mean certain death. The men moved in complete silence, their hearts pounding as they hauled themselves upward, inch by inch. The darkness shielded them from the eyes of the English sentries above, but any misstep could still betray their presence.
After what must have felt like an eternity, Randolph and his men reached the top. There, they launched a swift and brutal attack, catching the English completely off guard. The garrison, unprepared for an assault from the cliffs, scrambled to defend themselves, but it was too late. Randolph’s warriors fought with ferocity, cutting down their enemies in close combat. Within moments, the battle was over. The English defenders were slain or forced to surrender, and by dawn, the Scottish flag once again flew over Edinburgh Castle.
The recapture of Edinburgh Castle was a major victory for Robert the Bruce’s campaign. It was not just a military triumph, but a psychological blow to the English, proving that no fortress was truly impregnable. The castle was once again in Scottish hands, strengthening Bruce’s position as he prepared for the decisive confrontation with England at Bannockburn the following year.
As for Thomas Randolph, his bold leadership and unshakable courage in the assault only added to his growing legend. He would go on to play a crucial role in Scotland’s fight for independence, becoming one of Bruce’s most trusted commanders.
Today, Edinburgh Castle stands as one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, its walls still whispering the tales of battles long past. The daring night raid of 1313 remains one of its most thrilling stories—a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of the Scots who refused to bow to foreign rule.
Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope you’ve enjoyed this tale of daring and determination. 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 on This Day in Irish History - https://bagtownclans.com/index.php/thisday/march-14/
Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History. I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we turn our attention to the night of March 14, 1313, when one of the most daring military feats of the Wars of Scottish Independence took place—the recapture of Edinburgh Castle. A formidable fortress atop Castle Rock, Edinburgh Castle had been under English control, serving as a critical stronghold for Edward II’s forces. But on this fateful night, Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, led a small band of warriors in a near-impossible climb up the sheer cliffs, reclaiming the castle for Scotland. And if you’re curious about other fascinating events in Scottish history, be sure to check out my blog at https://bagtownclans.com/thisday. The link will be in the description!
By 1313, Robert the Bruce was steadily regaining control of Scotland, winning battles and reclaiming lost territory from the English. But Edinburgh Castle remained a powerful symbol of English rule, looming over the city from its near-impenetrable perch atop Castle Rock. A direct assault was out of the question—the fortress had towering walls, a heavily armed garrison, and was protected on nearly all sides by sheer cliffs. Any army attempting a frontal attack would be annihilated before they even reached the gate.
Enter Thomas Randolph. A nephew of Robert the Bruce, Randolph had earned his reputation as a skilled and determined commander. Bruce had tasked him with retaking the castle, but even for a warrior of his experience, it seemed an impossible mission. However, fortune favored the Scots in the form of a local man named William Francis. Francis had once served in the castle garrison and knew of a secret path up the steep rock face. He had scaled it before, under cover of darkness, to visit a woman in the town below. Now, this same hidden route would become the key to one of the most audacious attacks in Scottish history.
On the night of March 14, Randolph and a handpicked group of thirty warriors gathered at the base of Castle Rock. Armed with nothing but their weapons and sheer determination, they began their treacherous ascent. The climb was brutal—one slip would mean certain death. The men moved in complete silence, their hearts pounding as they hauled themselves upward, inch by inch. The darkness shielded them from the eyes of the English sentries above, but any misstep could still betray their presence.
After what must have felt like an eternity, Randolph and his men reached the top. There, they launched a swift and brutal attack, catching the English completely off guard. The garrison, unprepared for an assault from the cliffs, scrambled to defend themselves, but it was too late. Randolph’s warriors fought with ferocity, cutting down their enemies in close combat. Within moments, the battle was over. The English defenders were slain or forced to surrender, and by dawn, the Scottish flag once again flew over Edinburgh Castle.
The recapture of Edinburgh Castle was a major victory for Robert the Bruce’s campaign. It was not just a military triumph, but a psychological blow to the English, proving that no fortress was truly impregnable. The castle was once again in Scottish hands, strengthening Bruce’s position as he prepared for the decisive confrontation with England at Bannockburn the following year.
As for Thomas Randolph, his bold leadership and unshakable courage in the assault only added to his growing legend. He would go on to play a crucial role in Scotland’s fight for independence, becoming one of Bruce’s most trusted commanders.
Today, Edinburgh Castle stands as one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, its walls still whispering the tales of battles long past. The daring night raid of 1313 remains one of its most thrilling stories—a testament to the bravery and ingenuity of the Scots who refused to bow to foreign rule.
Thank you for joining me today on This Day in Scottish History. I hope you’ve enjoyed this tale of daring and determination. 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