The Battle of Pinkie, 1547: The Last Battle Between the Independent Kingdoms of Scotland and England Hardcover – July 27, 2023

“If you want a near perfect example of how to examine a battle from a wargamer's viewpoint, this book is it.” -Historical Miniatures Gaming SocietyThe Battle of Pinkie, fought between the English and the Scots in 1547, was the last great clash between the two as independent nations. It is a well-documented battle with several eyewitness accounts and contemporary illustrations. There is also archaeological evidence of military activities. The manoeuvres of the two armies can be placed in the landscape near Edinburgh, despite considerable developments since the 16th century. Nevertheless, the battle and its significance has not been well understood. From a military point of view there is much of interest. The commanders were experienced and had already had battlefield successes. There was an awareness on both sides of contemporary best practice and use of up-to-date weapons and equipment. The Scots and the English armies, however, were markedly different in their composition and in the strategy and tactics they employed. There is the added ingredient that the fire from English ships, positioned just off the coast, helped decide the course of events. Using contemporary records and archaeological evidence, David Caldwell, Victoria Oleksy, and Bess Rhodes reconsider the events of September 1547. They explore the location of the fighting, the varied forces involved, the aims of the commanders, and the close-run nature of the battle. Pinkie resulted in a resounding victory for the English, but that was by no means an inevitable outcome. After Pinkie it briefly seemed as if the future of Britain had been redefined. The reality proved rather different, and the battle has largely slipped from popular consciousness. This book provides a reminder of the uncertainty and high stakes both Scots and English faced in the autumn of 1547.Table of ContentsList of Figures and TablesAcknowledgementsCopyright and Abbreviations1 IntroductionSlaughter near MusselburghModern understandings of PinkiePurpose of this book2 Causes of conflict in 1547Warning of warDynastic ambitionsReligious conflictAttack on LangholmObjectives in September 15473 The English forcesThe commandersCavalryInfantryArtilleryNaval forcesLogistics and supply4 Scotland’s military capabilityThe hostWappenshawsThe mobilisationThe Scottish commandersThe structure of the armyScottish battlefield successes5 Early sources for the battle – a reviewOfficial documentationDiplomatic reportsEnglish descriptions of the battleScottish descriptions of the battle6 Pinkie Battlefield – Topography and ArchaeologyWhat’s in a name?Topographical overviewLordships and landsSettlementsCommunicationsLand useOn manoeuvres, September 1547The Archaeology of the Battle of Pinkie7 A New interpretation of the battleThe English advance into ScotlandScottish preparationsThursday 8 and Friday 9 SeptemberSaturday 10 September8 Pinkie First and LastAfter Pinkie – the English policyAfter Pinkie – the Scottish responsePinkie and military change in Early Modern BritainPinkie – future directionsBibliographyIndex Read more