In the breadth of bitter-sweet Scottish history there is no more poignant, no more important battle than Flodden. Before Flodden a proud country under its dynamic Stewart King James IV was emerging as a distinct and flourishing nation within Europe.
With defeat the inevitability of Scotland's Reformation and union with England is hard to deny. Flodden was an ignominious and disastrous moment for the Scots, All the more for being a largely unnecessary encounter, fought with superior numbers and arms, which left the country weak, exposed and leaderless.
In his typical readable style, Peter Reese, recreated the drama of calamity of the battle fought just south of the River Tweed on 9 September 1513. Drawing together the political, military and historical background to the conflict, he examines the two armies and their leaders, and explains the crucial tactical moves both before and during the encounter.
Thoroughly researched yet always accessible, 'Flodden' serves as an engaging and enlightening account of the battle Scotland has tried to forget.
Includes detailed battleplans, illustrations and a guide to exploring the battlesite.
Contents:
Introduction
Acknowledgments
List of Illustrations
List of Maps
Prologue
Burghmuir - August 1513
Part 1: Rival Kingdoms
1. The Defenders
2. Proud Monarchs
3. Slide Towards War
Part 2: Opposing Forces
4. The Soldiers and their Weapons
5. The English Commanders
6. The Scottish Commanders
Part 3: Face to Face
7. Opening Moves
8. Jockeying for Position
9. The Guns Speak
10. Riding the Storm
11. Fight to the Death
Epilogue
No Way Back
Appendix: Exploring the Flodden Battlefield
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index
