Battle of Flodden: Disaster on the Scotland England border

The Battle of Flodden on the Scotland England border was the worst disaster in Scottish military history. As he continues his travels on the Scottish English border, Scottish history tour guide, Bruce Fummey travels to the battlefield to tell the tale
More videos from the Scotland England Border at • How Coldstream Guards ...
Three ways to support Scotland History Tours video productions at www.scotlandhistorytours.co.u...
...or just buy me coffee here
www.buymeacoffee.com/Scottish...
Here's a video explaining the three ways to help me make more videos • Crowdfunding Options t...
Join The National Trust of Scotland and experience Scottish history in lots of many National Trust properties worth visiting. You can find out about National Trust for Scotland, it's properties and how to join here tidd.ly/3kuyDg3
Join the mailing list at
mailchi.mp/d2eab373c1fd/82lr7...
Scotland History Tours is here for people who want to learn about Scottish history and get ideas for Scottish history tours. I try to make videos which tell you tales from Scotland's past and give you information about key dates in Scottish history and historical places to visit in Scotland. Not all videos are tales from Scotland's history, some of them are about men from Scotland's past or women from Scotland's past. Basically the people who made Scotland. From April 2020 onward I've tried to give ideas for historic days out in Scotland. Essentially these are days out in Scotland for adults who are interested in historical places to visit in Scotland.
As a Scottish history tour guide people ask: Help me plan a Scottish holiday, or help me plan a Scottish vacation if your from the US. So I've tried to give a bit of history, but some places of interest in Scotland as well.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Another video on the Scottish English Border at kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmWvhJ2Ci5ykjM0

[@garwood.5993]

So love your sense of humour Bruce you do make me smile. Very informative too great.🦋

[@garwood.5993]

Could you enlighten me as to what you say at the end before you go. Sounds like you saying something like cheerio Rasta .😂😂😂

[@TadeuszCantwell]

@@garwood.5993 His response to this question is to visit his merch store for the answer. Hint it's a sentence Scot's Gaelic.

[@dalematthews4933]

Hi Bruce,I'm a Welsh guy of Cumbrian descent, I love your channel so much I signed up for your patreon, learning British history can be a complicated thing, but learning Scottish history fills in a lot of blanks and I feel is the best place to start. Thanks Bruce and family.

[@splodge561]

I like your story telling, you should be on mainstream TV. This is my favourite vid I think.

[@happygrandma5637]

"No, are you mental! Creep up from behind and knock them on the heid! Don't tell them you're coming." Kind of sums it all up. Love it. Thanks Bruce, for another wonderful if sad story.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@dracael]

Reminds me of a 'saying' my old man used to be fond of... "If at first ye dinnae succeed..., pull yer foreskin o'er yer heid" lol. Personally i regret never having the chance to come back to the homeland of my forefathers... So much family history to be 'rediscovered'. I grew up here in Australia on stories from my nanna that facinated me but i now believe to be her way of 'inspiring a love of history' through fantasy... So much convoluted information it's impossible to find the truth without going to the source. In one account an ancestor was an 'aide de camp' to RTB in the infamous cave with the spider spinning it's web (origin of the above correct saying ie; try, try again). Another is family tree inscribed in the stones of Edinburgh Castle. Ties to Scot nobility but having to change name to Drysdale to avoid discovery and persecution. Even as far out as curses by a witch to explain the 'irony' of there only ever being one male child born to bear the line past a certain point (of which i am the last and childless)... Facinating stuff for a kid but leaves me confused as hell to the truth now i'm an adult...

[@ryancraig5619]

Having grew up in Coldstream for most of my younger years, I was given the privilege of becoming the Coldstreamer in 2002. This was a great honour and one of the many tasks was to lead a mounted cavalcade from the town to the memorial cross on Branxton hill to pay homage to the dead of both nations. One comment that continues to return from the cross is just how eerily silent it is there. We then cut a sod of earth from the hillside, then wrap it up in a saltire to be carried back over the border to the sight of the monastery where a small ceremony is held and " flowers of the Forrest" is sang. Great video !

[@shaunsteele8244]

I wish this guy had been my history teacher in high school

[@babycharliebrown]

He was actually a Physics teacher 😂

[@charlesmorgan8440]

Another superb exposition, this time of one of the greatest military tragedies in Scottish history. The butchers bill was just phenomenal. I find the late mediaeval attitude to chivalry intriguing - they were just as fond of looting, rape, murder and theft as any of their descendants, and successors, but going out of your way to lose would be totally incomprehensible to a Norman king! A poignant mention at the end, amity is better than emnity, ploughshares are better than swords, or perhaps tractors beat tanks. Either way, your humanism and decency shine through in these horrid times. Thank you!

[@John-xk2sd]

Chivalry only applied to the wealthy Nobility , peasants were worthless pieces of shit to these scumbags.

[@sonsoffalstaff2600]

"We're still friends in the bar." What a Gentleman.

[@AntoekneeDetaecho]

Fantastic video, as is all of your work. Whilst there is a always fascination in these glorified battles, I think current events remind us of the futility of war and the evils of the rich spending the blood of the poor to take what isn’t theirs. I think you got that point across really well with the rugby analogy.

[@johnbrereton6823]

Love the ending of your video. "...although we may fight against each other on the field, we are still friends in the bar. I'd rather that, than this." Very powerful thought

[@Jammy-yy5ws]

Great video Bruce, as someone with English and Scottish family it’s nice to hear someone just talk about history with a passion rather than it just being a pissing contest. Never heard of the James IV guard will have to read up on it! Keep up the great work, don’t let negative comments get you down!

[@suziq4394]

I Was told about this battle many years ago. A mate of mine tried to camp on the battlefield over night... but could not. He said the battlefield had a cold eerie feel to it... and he left. Sadly my mate is no longer with us and I am yet to visit the battlefield... this video has once again raised my interest... its only a matter of time till I get there. Thank you for another great video.. I'm hooked (and I am an English man lol)

[@hikinghistoryculture]

Sorry to hear of your loss, your mate was not wrong, I grew up living in and around Branxton and the land does hold an eerie feeling to it, I hope you get out to the place someday, it is beautiful countryside with some excellent camping spots.

[@THOMAS-gi8kx]

Very good! 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍🏻

[@HowWeGotHere]

I was doing some research last night (early this am) and found on the Ancestor I was investigating his Cause of Death is simply "Killed at The Battle of Flodden" what a coincidence. So this video was particularly timely for me.

[@Tsoiugidali]

In researching my own genealogy I discovered 7 of my family were also listed "killed at the Battle of Flodden". Humbling.

[@ballsack6547]

I lost descendants there also. Clan Leslie 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@johnbaird4912]

@@Tsoiugidali What clan is humbling sound more like an English name

[@decemberkat]

I just found out that my daughters paternal ancestors were in the battle of flodden - her ancestor lost a forearm in the battle but lived 👀

[@2msvalkyrie529]

One of my ancestors was killed at Waterloo . Platform 7 I think..?

[@TadeuszCantwell]

That's interesting about the early modern period begining in the 1500's compared to the early 1600s in Ireland. I always find the manoeuvring on different types of ground and unit formations a fascinating insight into how battles were won and lost. Oh and I'm impressed with the audio quality as you switch from in person to VO on the cutaway shots, many YTers have a dips in audio levels when doing this.

[@Jules-fx2sc]

Excellent storytelling, making history come to life. I am currently doing my family tree and discovered James IV was the first husband of my direct descendant Margaret. She married my 14th great grandfather after his death

[@GnrMilligan]

As always,well presented,interesting content sir!And enjoying the improving production values with interesting drone shots edited in while you narrate!

[@kennethkelly1371]

Another great video Bruce.

[@BadgerPage]

Informative and thought provoking as always. Cheers Bruce.

[@gerryphilly53]

Another excellent video that teaches me more about Scottish history. I was unaware of this engagement brought on by a conflict between England and France.

[@tomarmstrong5244]

That was the most common cause of England's wars with Scotland. As Shakespeare said in Henry V: “If that you will France win, Then with Scotland first begin.” For once the eagle England being in prey, To her unguarded nest the weasel Scot Comes sneaking and so sucks her princely eggs, Playing the mouse in absence of the cat, To ’tame and havoc more than she can eat.

[@Pennyburn1688]

Don't forget these videos are "tainted by apparent bias" 😜 🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@jimboll6982]

@@Pennyburn1688 Especially by all the deluded yanks who had grreat great granpapies at every major border battle since records of individuals began. No doubt from contributors to the house of clans or similar. Anyway where is an aussie super hero when needed.

[@dubhainoceanntabhail5262]

Interesting and educational as always.

[@alanellis6716]

Another good one Bruce.

[@terryoneill9525]

im subbing great i love your history lessons thank you

[@niallkennedy23]

your videos are excellent big man. cheers for posting them watching in Paisley.

[@georgestewart1325]

Quality production love it..

[@ffotograffydd]

Another fantastic video, thank you!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks again!

[@shawngross5420]

Thanks for another good one, Bruce! I am loving this tour of the borderlands, especially as I have traced some of my genealogical roots to the area where you are now. Request: Please talk about the scenario with King David II and Sir John de Coupland.

[@timpalmerphoto]

Thank you. I really enjoyed your video🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@kev1734]

Been enjoying a few of your vids mate :) You have a great message weaved into them as well! Cheers

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Much appreciated

[@celtichistorydecoded]

Love this video, great as always

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks

[@Swindondruid2]

Fantastic video, as always, and a very insightful commentary.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you kindly!

[@jesusjohnny8286]

Great stuff Bruce. Thank You.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Very welcome

[@HughDWallace]

Great video Bruce. I watched it back in the summer in preparation to spending time in the Borders and visiting Floden Fields and I watched it again after being there. We were originally going to have a very brief visit but we bumped into a local (Ian/Iain) who was an absolute mine of information on the battle. He gave us an impromptu tour of the battlefield which brought the whole thing so much more alive. So if you happen to be down there again look out for a guy walking a pair of golden retrievers and ask him to show you around.

[@Connnnnnnnnnnor]

Never thought id be into history youtube, but here we are, the way you tell a story is beautiful, its addictive, please keep it up 😁

[@neiltappenden1008]

Great show , thankyou 🙏

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😘

[@charlesarmstrong5292]

Thanks for yet another edifying episode in Scottish history. Your easy to follow depiction of the battle settled much in my mind which has pestered me regarding the battle. Also, it will lend another level of sad beauty to that wonderful lament often played at memorial services.

[@Campbell5339]

Cheers for the video

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Nae bother

[@steven.ghodgson765]

Brilliant as usual.

[@faithhowe6170]

Excellent video. As you described the battle, it makes me wonder which parts my ancestors (5 that I know of) were involved in when they lost their lives, or if any of them knew each other. I look forward to the next video of your trip.

[@mickharrison9004]

Great presentation Freind and much appreciated like many others youv done 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you kindly

[@dynamitecity9667]

Can tell that coin is starting to turn In now for you Bruce with how great the production is now ☺️ Was here when you had about 2k subscribers, a quick 2 years eh. From When I first saw that video of Mary Queen Of Scots on Loch Leven. You deserve every second of the success on here. Would love you to do a video on the history of Eglinton castle in Kilwinning sometime.

[@janetmackinnon3411]

Thank you for such a clear exposition.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're very welcome!

[@tonkerdog1]

Absolutely brilliant. Thanks

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah cheers

[@roystewart4826]

Thanks Bruce love your story’s that a modified version of what I’ve read previous but history is what it is ! Maybe a thin slice of truth covered by a thick layer of butter and jam ! Keep up the nice work.

[@rorymacleod1143]

Watched a few videos tonight great stuff 👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks Rory

[@fearthekilt]

One of your finest efforts Bruce! Captivating tale! Bravo sir! Good day from America!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thank you

[@uninteresting1212]

Well said ! 👏

[@aaronk534]

Man. Just in the last 5 videos your production value has gone through the roof. Great video and a great story. Thank you

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye my video adviser will love to hear that

[@I3R0K3N7FEET]

huge heart this episode.

[@stevebailey325]

My wife, who was born and raised in Edinburgh, is currently there on her yearly month long visit to family and friends. Ive visited twice and wish I heard of your channel before I visited. Lots of great history and well told!!

[@andrewkirk6595]

loving your border journey keep up the good work mate

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@andrewkirk6595]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours i enjoy every video you make

[@claretbuck1882]

Fascinating bud cheers 👍🏻

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks 👍

[@ianpattison841]

Hi there, another very interesting and well presented film. Love you style you “orrible” Scot, keep the videos coming, best wishes from an English fan.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@kevinstachovak8842]

Funny and yet sombre and sad. You sir are a gifted storyteller!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks Kevin

[@StoicHistorian]

Love your tours, it’s like I’m there

[@TheGreyAreaBetween]

Your rugby analogy is so perfect. I'm an Englishman and a Bath man, yet I spent time living in Gloucestershire. I played many gigs in Gloucester whilst wearing my Bath Rugby shirts and there would often be comments like ‘you're brave’, yet the same people would applaud the show and drink with me after. I've played in Glasgow and Edinburgh in an England shirt too, and again there's been a bit of joking about it and then good camaraderie right after. I also need to say that I love the videos you do Bruce, for their historical facts and for their humour. You're simply fantastic to watch and listen to and I'm really grateful to you for posting these. You do an amazing job of storytelling and I'm glad KZbin led me to your videos some time ago.

[@NeilTheHippy]

Brilliant as ever Bruce 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aaah thanks

[@shinysideup2289]

Captivating storytelling. I wish I had half the ability.

[@trepicks]

I am really enjoying your well put together and thought provoking videos. As a northern Englishman now living in Sussex but with family in the Borders and Perth I agree with much you have to say. Thanks again.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Welcome aboard!

[@stevethomas4310]

You are quite correct, Culloden was a British army versus an army comprised of French, Irish and Scots. However, and I am from south of the border, a large number of Scots refer to it as England v Scotland. I even found this in Edinburgh at a history talk in one of the squares. The students who were giving it were quite unaware until I mentioned it. Is this how the education system in Scotland prefers it?

[@LordOfLight]

You didn't know the "English" army was largely Scottish, including some Highlanders from Clan Sutherland, Clan MacKay, Clan Ross, Clan Gunn and Clan Grant, plus a unit of Irish. It was a British army that fought the Jacobites.

[@Hugh_Morris]

My ex girlfriend who is English, also thought the battle was English against Scottish rebels.

[@midnightwolfee2128]

​@@LordOfLight tell the Scots that then who have continually referred to it as an English army. Oh sorry thats only when saying it was a cruel slaughter by the evil redcoats,..then it's English army,...but when it's about who won then it's a British or mostly Scots army 🤔

[@pemacal57]

Even Scots in the Gvt side

[@pemacal57]

​@@LordOfLight You are RIGHT

[@MsEggbird]

great video dude

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Cheers man

[@rachelduncan5560]

It is great listening to you about the history of Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 so thank you

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're welcome

[@keithrichardsom1898]

Absolutely brilliant I'm a proud Geordie and love these videos of the Borders and the rest of the videos....keep up the great work

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks Keith

[@sarimento1]

Lord Bruce, yet another EPIC video! Great scenery, well-scripted and edited, as usual! Especially liked your military history, high ground vs marshes; pikes vs axes, etc! How gruesome! And the bit about Thistles with Rose Thorns! Ah, and with daffodils getting pushed up by who-knows what unlucky sole buried in the fields there! Oh...the camper van, wow you've gone Luxurious on us!! Keep 'em coming!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😂 Luxury will be when I get the yacht

[@Baskerville22]

Thanks for the subtitles🌝

[@davidedbrooke9324]

Another excellent win for us.

[@danmurphy8315]

Great video

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Thanks!

[@blueneeson9888]

Thanks a Brilliant Video From Blue

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're very welcome

[@terryb8310]

Good words at the end !

[@Doubt_Cast]

Bruce, I'm sorry it took me so long to find you. I love your words and outlooks on history and present day. Just in case you haven't heard today but your a beautiful person. From New Jersey to you, bless up bro, keep this going.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Welcome aboard!😘

[@IrishMedievalHistory]

Feet up watching my fav KZbinr and a medieval battle. Can't beat it!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I like your style

[@yorkshirethistle6118]

Love the channel! I'm currently researching my ancester Alexander Ramsay of Dalhousie who died in this battle. His Great Grandfather Willelmus de Ramesay signed the declaration of Arbroath. It's really fascinating.

[@steveallaker761]

My great great and more grandfather and his son were Knighted on this feild sir ralph ellerker he was one of the leaders of the pilgrimage of grace and was killed in france in another war . Enjoyed your video, I have not been to this feild but have some urge to go there

[@asfcboys6317]

Visited the battlefield a couple of years age, it has a former telephone box as its information point, worth a visit if you're in the area.

[@davidcunningham2074]

another very entertaining video.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Glad you think so!

[@johnrobertson9875]

I was under the impression Flodden was the catalyst for the era of the reivers. Didn't realise they were already a thing at 1513. Everydays a learning day. Thanks Bruce!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Aye wars of independence would have been a catalyst

[@ChristinaMacDonald777]

Flowers of the Forest⚘️⚘️⚘️🍃✨️✨️✨️🌠! I will remember this story forever. Thank you for sharing. God bless✨️

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You are so welcome

[@danpictish5457]

Fantastic Bruce! Thanks again and very funny too. My Ancestor Baron Sir James Henderson died with James V.

[@happybee7725]

Enjoyed that Bruce me ole pal.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

I'm delighted

[@olenievart]

Such a great presenting.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Ah thanks

[@promiscuous5761]

Thank you..

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

You're welcome

[@hikinghistoryculture]

I begining to think Bruce is on a tour of my childhood homes, this is an excellent series, Bruce, i hope you got to visit the cement menagerie at Branxton, if there was ever a place to play hide and seek that was it.

[@BWFCLVAREY]

Lovely sentiment at the end.

[@kirkmorrison6131]

A wonderful telling of Flodden it is a interesting Battle and aftermath.

[@barryblazey9280]

Love this man's story telling.

[@hotelsierra86]

Went to look at Flodden field…..couldn’t find it at first but after a bit of hunting around saw some notice boards in a farmer’s field and saw in the distance the stone cross. A few weeks later I went to Bannockburn.

[@wearsideexile6616]

Whilst on holiday in Northumberland last year I decided to visit Flodden. It’s one of those places with an eerie atmosphere and you can tell that something awful happened there. “To the brave of both nations” on a small stone cross is pretty much the only indication that there was a major battle though. A bigger memorial is required in my opinion.

[@kimblecheat]

Aye Bruce, you're good. Time Team needs ya i reckon.

[@floppyfairy99]

Remember passing the sign to Flodden with my gf in the 90's. We stopped had a look at the field and ended up driving back to Newcastle in bare feet because Flodden was sodden. Thanks for the vid.

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😂

[@systemSkynet]

Brilliant battle description. Of course they were all tactical. In the movie it would just be thousands of people having a massive rammie while the love interest watched on from the tree line

[@BigMrFirebird]

My ancestors fought at Flodden as mounted archers and billmen, in the company of Lord Clifford.

[@blade5896]

The English and Scot’s had mounted archers ?

[@BigMrFirebird]

@@blade5896 They got from A to B quicker but dismounted to fight, essentially mounted infantry. Having a horse also entitled you to more pay.

[@anthonyferris8912]

My ancestors kept their heads down.😃

[@coniwatson9512]

Thank you. I'm desendent of lord Hume . At a Hume gathering we had a ceremony at that church . Then walked to the field of Flodden . Thank you again . I love you sense of humor . Your a true Bard

[@lkgreenwell]

Did I hear right and you used the term “a little death”? A little Googling reveals the term to be a reference to post-coital exhaustion, but I understand it to have been originally used by the Knights Hospitaller to scorn “this little death” *in battle*

[@Halbared]

A moving video. 👍🏻 funny too, even the dad jokes!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜 I'm a dad

[@lynnemurphy114]

What a sad story...on to the next video...I just love ..Let me tell you a story 💚 Why are you not on TV to educate our children..I'm 60 I wasn't tought none of this..🇮🇪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇬🇧

[@jenrutherford6690]

I really enjoy your chanel. I can imagine it's fantastic when you can understand all the words ☺️

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Some people who don't speak like God intended use the subtitles

[@jenrutherford6690]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours indeed I am a humble antipodian . Only marsupials understand us .

[@Ally1756]

Don't wanna give away any spoilers but seen you today in a certain place beginning with B. Looking forward to that video!

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

😜

[@X737_]

Great to meet you last night at enterteasment Bruce 👍

[@ScotlandHistoryTours]

Yeah man, what a fun night that was

[@X737_]

@@ScotlandHistoryTours best one yet 👍

[@bottlewaddle6677]

wishing you more life, views and success

[@frankmckinley1254]

Like your camper. 🤗

[@nomdeplume2213]

aww i wanna go with yall!! lol can u imagine how much fun it would be to tour Scotland and hear Bruce teach you about everywhere you go?!? id pay good money for that.... we need one massive tour bus and a business license haha lets do this 😆 I want to go to Scotland so bad. one day my Texan ass will sit on Scottish soil haha one day....

[@rosshosie7176]

Is it possible to do a video on the battle of Langside