Flodden by Griff Hosker

Author:Griff Hosker [Hosker, Griff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sword Books Ltd.
Published: 2023-04-26T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Norham August 1513

By the time we reached Newcastle riders told us that both Norham and Ford were under siege. The Scots had brought bombards with them and Lord Dacre knew that it would only be a matter of time before they fell. Norman-built castles could not withstand bombards and gunpowder. The muster had begun and the town of Newcastle as well as the moor to the north of the town were filled with contingents of warriors. Sir Edward was there already and the men of Lancashire, all seven thousand of them, were on the place they called the Town Moor. Sir Edward was in the castle and before I could join my men and my son, I had to speak with the high and the mighty in the Great Hall of Newcastle Castle.

Lord Dacre was in a good mood when he heard of our victory. “It may make the Scottish king reconsider his decision.”

Sir William counselled caution, “My lord, Norham and Ford will fall and Berwick will be besieged. Even if King James chooses not to attack, the Earl of Surrey, when he comes, will have to retake those castles if only to protect the border.”

I felt that I had to support the Yorkshireman, “Sir William is right, my lord, for Lord Home brought seven thousand men south on a cattle raid. If they took just that number, with their bombards then all three castles would easily fall and then there is just Morpeth to bar his way here to Newcastle.”

Lord Dacre shook his head, “You are wrong, Sir William. Norham and the other castles did not stop Lord Home’s raid. The days of the border castles are over but what you say about King James fighting defensively is interesting. You seem, Captain James, to have a better grasp on the land than many men, where would you think that they would fight to hold us?”

I had an idea in my head but I did not wish to risk making a fool of myself. I said nothing.

Sir William said, softly, “Come, Captain James, I know that you have in that clever head of yours an idea. Tell us and let us be the judge of its merits.”

I nodded, “As you know, Sir William, the Scots like the route to England across the Tweed and through Wooler. Thanks to your victory they know that the plain of Milfield does not suit them but, further north and west there are two ridges which run southwest to northeast. Flodden Edge and Branxton Ridge which would allow them to use their cannons to great effect and make a killing field over which our men would have to march.”

Lord Dacre nodded, “Then I would have you show me these ridges. The Earl of Surrey will need our intelligence when he comes north. The day after tomorrow you should be prepared to ride. I will bring border horsemen with me.”

Sir Edward said, “I have told Lord Dacre of your previous services to this country. Once more, James of Eccleston, you will serve your king.

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