The Battle of Pinkie, 1547: The Last Battle Between the Independent Kingdoms of Scotland and England

The Battle of Pinkie, fought in 1547 between the English and Scots, was the last great clash between the two as independent nations. Despite its significance, the battle and its importance have not been well understood. This book reconsiders the events of September 1547, exploring the location, forces involved, commanders' aims, and the close-run nature of the battle. Pinkie resulted in a resounding victory for the English, but that was by no means inevitable.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Oxbow Books

The Battle of Pinkie, which took place in 1547, marked the final significant encounter between the English and Scots as independent nations. This well-documented battle boasts numerous eyewitness accounts and contemporary illustrations, as well as archaeological evidence of military activities. Despite significant developments since the 16th century, the manoeuvres of the two armies can still be placed within the landscape near Edinburgh. However, the battle and its significance have not been fully understood.

From a military perspective, this battle holds immense interest. The commanders on both sides were seasoned veterans with a track record of battlefield successes. They were well-versed in contemporary best practices and employed modern weapons and equipment. The Scots and English armies, however, differed significantly in their composition and strategic approaches. The fire from English ships positioned just off the coast played a crucial role in determining the course of events.

In their book, "Pinkie: The Last Great Clash between the English and Scots in 1547," David Caldwell, Victoria Oleksy, and Bess Rhodes delve into the events of September 1547. They examine the location of the fighting, the diverse forces involved, the objectives of the commanders, and the closely contested nature of the battle. While Pinkie ultimately resulted in a resounding victory for the English, it was by no means a foregone conclusion. The aftermath of Pinkie briefly suggested a new era for Britain, but the reality unfolded differently, and the battle has largely faded from public memory. This book serves as a reminder of the uncertainty and high stakes faced by both Scots and English during the autumn of 1547.

Weight: 884g
Dimension: 175 x 248 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789259735