Arkinholm, battle of

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Arkinholm, battle of, 1455. In the spring of 1455 James II of Scotland moved to rid himself of the powerful ‘Black Douglases’— James, earl of Douglas, and his three brothers, Ormond, Moray, and Balvenie—ravaging their estates. Douglas fled to England but the three brothers gave battle at Arkinholm on the Esk near Langholm on 1 May. They were utterly defeated. Moray was killed in the battle, Ormond captured and executed, and Balvenie fled. The power of the Black Douglases was broken and a Parliament in Edinburgh in June declared them and their adherents traitors.

J. A. Cannon

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Arkinholm, battle of

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