Battle of Dunbar (1650) | Scottish Borders and the Lothians | Castles, Forts and Battles

On September 3, 1650, at the Battle of Dunbar, Oliver Cromwell's English New Model Army defeated Scottish forces in a surprise attack. An excerpt from the article:

"Battle

On 2 September 1650 the Scots had occupied Doon Hill, the high ground to the south of Dunbar and from there Leslie could see the English deploy out of the town. He suspected Cromwell had decided on battle the next day and accordingly re-deployed his forces.

- Stage 1: Scots Reposition

Leslie moved his army down from Doon Hill to occupy the southern banks of the Brox Burn, a narrow waterway that divided the battlefield and would defuse any frontal attack made against them. The Scots then settled down for a cold, uncomfortable night in the rain with their poorly equipped and largely inexperienced new recruits doubtless feeling it more than their veteran English counterparts.

- Stage 2: English Attack

Whilst the new Scottish position occupied an extended frontage just over 1.5 miles long, it was still a formidable challenge for the English. The narrow waterway of the Brox Burn was augmented by steep banks on either side making it a significant obstacle for an attacking army. However, the ground between the road and the sea was much flatter. Cromwell saw his chance and launched an assault at first light on 3 September 1650. Dragoons (mounted infantry) were deployed along the length of the Scottish line to cause a distraction but the main thrust of the English attack was made against the road bridge over the Brox Burn commencing with cavalry assault led by Lambert and Fleetwood supported by artillery. The Scots were caught completely by surprise and were further hampered by the wet weather which meant many had damp powder; few managed to make effective use of their firearms.

- Stage 3: English Bridgehead

Despite their wet powder, the Scottish line held firm and Lambert and Fleetwood did little more than establish a small bridgehead. General Monck advanced into this space with the main body of English infantry and slowly got increasing numbers of soldiers across the bridge. To mitigate against the deteriorating situation, Leslie deployed his cavalry in support. Concurrently with all this, Cromwell forded Brox Burn upstream with a Regiment of cavalry and an infantry detachment.

- Stage 4: Scottish Cavalry Defeated

Now across the Brox Burn and on the right flank of the Scots, Cromwell himself led several charges against the Scottish cavalry which eventually broke. In their retreat they collided with the infantry line that was increasingly hard pressed trying to hold off the combined forces of Monck, Lambert and Fleetwood.

- Stage 5: Scottish Right Disintegrates

With the cavalry defeated and that portion of the line overwhelmed by the concentrated attack by the English, the eastern part of the Scottish force disintegrated.

- Stage 6: Scottish Rout

The Scots now found the terrain, which had been so perfect against a frontal attack from the north, worked against them. The English struck from the east and the narrow ridge prevented the Scots from re-aligning their battle line to the threat. Escape to the north was difficult due to the steep scarp down to the Brox Burn whilst to the south was a further slope. They had no choice but to fight on a narrow frontage eliminating the advantage of their superior numbers. The entire Scottish line collapsed with as many as 3,000 Scots killed and a further 10,000 taken prisoner.

Aftermath

The battle was an overwhelming victory for the English and for Cromwell cemented his position as a astute military commander as well as ensuring his continued rise to political power. For Charles II the defeat lost him control of Edinburgh and the lowlands, both of which were duly occupied by Cromwell, but it did rally broader Scottish support to his cause. Furthermore it freed him of some of the onerous obligations imposed upon him by the Covenanters.

Despite the defeat at Dunbar, Charles II was crowned King at Scone on 1 January 1651 prompting Cromwell to push further into Scotland. Charles responded by marching a 16,000 strong force into England where he raised the Royal banner - it was with a daring strategy but England was tired of war and little support was forthcoming. Pursued by Cromwell he was defeated at the Battle of Worcester (1651) after which he fled abroad. Scotland was subjected to military occupation with some ugly incidents - the storming and massacre at Dundee in September 1651 being a prime example. The last Royalist garrison in Scotland - Dunnottar Castle - surrendered on 25 February 1652. There would be no further military action on the mainland before the Restoration in 1660."