Neville's Cross

Those of us who enjoy dates may recall that 17th October marks the anniversary of this famous local fracas, fought in 1346.

At this time the Hundred Years War was just gathering pace and, in that August, the English had resoundingly hammered the French at Crecy.

Even in this dismal epoch of political correctness, which brooks no opposition, beating up the French is still permitted. We apologise to all ethnic minorities everywhere, whether we've offended their great-grandfathers or not but the French are still fair game. Praise the Lord.

The Anglo-French wars dovetailed neatly into the undending conflict with the Scots who, without the inestimable benefit of the Barnett formula, were obliged to rely soley upon pillage.

With their continental allies under pressure, as ever the Scots would support any side in preference to the English, David II was persuaded to launch a large spoiling raid into the northern counties of England, in the hope this would oblige Edward III to lay off, at least for a while.

King David II of Scotland was the son of the great hero Robert the Bruce and thus had a challenging pedigree to live up to. Much of his childhood had been spent in voluntary exile in France (yes, all the fault of the English again).

On 7th October he crossed the border leading a national army, perhaps 12,000 strong. His strategic thinking was flawed insofar as he believed the north of England to be defenceless and that he might thus repeat the frequent batterings meted out, virtually with impunity, by his
illustrious father.

In this he was mistaken. Edward III had ensured the north was left in a state of readiness; the Archbishop of York, William de la Zouche and Lord Neville raised local forces with which to confront the Scots. Though these were significantly inferior in number they possessed the formidable longbow which had facilitated the destruction of Scottish spear formations at Dupplin Moor 1332 and, a year later, Halidon Hill.

David's scouting was also defective, whilst the main body was encamped by Bear Park a commanded party under William Douglas clashed with the advancing English van in the foggy first light on 17th October.

The two hosts marshalled then for battle, which occured in what is now the vicinity of Durham Johnstone School. The day was hard fought and the Scots were finally bested, with the Stewart's division giving ground, leaving the centre, under the King, in difficulties.

In the rout an injured King David was captured by a Northumberland knight as he sought to hide under Aldin Grange Bridge - all in all it was a pretty poor showing for the son of Robert Bruce.

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