Stanhope's crucial role in a forgotten medieval battle

A new information board unveiled in a County Durham town is shedding a much needed light on a lesser-known, pivotal event of British history - the medieval Battle of Stanhope Park.

Historian John Bailey unveiled the board in the Weardale town earlier this month.

It details the 1327 standoff which ended the First Scottish War of Independence, altering the course of history.

King Edward II's reign saw a time of economic and political hardship in England, ending in a coup.

Overthrown by Queen Isabella and her once-exiled lover, Roger Mortimer, on behalf of her then 14 year-old-son, Edward III, they established a regency with Edward III as a figurehead.

In the midst of these national upheavals, Scotland seized the opportunity to push the boundaries of peace.

Attacking Norham Castle, in North Northumberland, on February 1 coincided with Edward III's coronation.

Despite the assault's failure, the English kingdom, aware of the risk of further Scottish incursions, raised an army in anticipation.

This stop-gap action wasn't sufficient when, on June 14, a Scottish army of roughly 20,000 men violated the uneasy 13-year long truce, assaulting England from three separate points.

The notorious Sir James Douglas, also known as 'Black Douglas', led raids into Cumbria, reinforcing his reputation for brutal attacks on Northern England.

The detail on the board is a reminder of a turbulent period of British history (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

An English army, rallying at York, was further disrupted by hostility between the native archers and arriving mercenaries, causing the loss of 100 men.

King Edward led his anxious army to the North on July 1, navigating through hostile weather, decimated villages, and unsettling secrecy from Scotland.

By July 20, they had reached Newcastle, tired and tormented.

On July 30, Thomas Rokesby finally uncovered the hidden Scottish troops across from Wolsingham, ensconced within the Bishop of Durham’s hunting park.

The ensuing standoff lasted for three tension-filled days, punctuated by the Scots' scare tactics, filled with bonfires and disruptive noises.

By August 3, the Scots had shifted their position, prompting the English to rapidly shift to Stanhope in response.

Between the disorientating hours of midnight and the early morning of August 4, Douglas led a contingent of knights and men-at arms through the River Wear, breaching the English encampment.

Records indicate a wild skirmish, with Douglas's men battling through to Edward III's pavilion, killing sentries and members of the royal household, and causing chaos within the English ranks.

While the English managed to repel the attack, Douglas escaped and the Scots retreated on August 6.

Left behind were a horrific scene of violence and leftover mementos of the invading army in the form of makeshift cookware and maimed prisoners.

Mortimer's recall order sparked anger in the young and powerless Edward III, deepening the rift in the ruling command.

While the Scots had retreated without achieving their ultimate goal of killing the king, their raids proved ruinously expensive for England.

Read about previous objects here:

• Why this historically significant Darlington railway bridge looks so simple
• The big story of a big horse and a big challenge to keep it white
• Music was his first love and now 'Jarra lad' John has a blue plaque

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Ultimately, the English were cornered into signing the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328, renouncing their claims to Scotland, marking the end of this grim chapter.

The newly-installed board in Stanhope's public park serves as a reminder of this turbulent period of British history, where battles over power and territory had far-reaching consequences.

The village's quiet and scenic locales belies its crucial role in the nation's past.