Following the Wars of Scottish Independence a century earlier, Roxburgh was one of the last castles in Scotland still to be held by the English.[1][2] By 1460, England was in the middle of civil war, the Wars of the Roses, and it would seem that both sides had requested the aid of King James in this struggle, with James intending to use the opportunity to take back both Roxburgh and Berwick for Scotland.[3]
Prior to the attack on Roxburgh, the English had believed that Berwick was the target, and were thus outmaneuvered.[4]
Siege of Roxburgh Castle
King James and his army first arrived at Roxburgh in July, first taking and demolishing the English dominated town by bombarding it with Artillery cannon fire.[2][4] When the castle refused to surrender, James began the siege.[4]
On 3 August the James was standing close to one of his cannons when he ordered it to be fired. The cannon exploded, mortally wounding him.[5]
Following his death, James' queen, Mary of Guelders, ordered the army to continue the siege.[6] The castle would surrender on 5 August,[2] with the defenders allowed to depart and no prisoners being taken.[3]
Following the siege the castle was destroyed (slighted) so it could not be used by the English again.[3]
With the death of the King, Mary of Guelders and Bishop James Kennedy ruled as regents until James III of Scotland was old enough to rule.[7] During this time, Mary would prove an able diplomat, gaining Berwick in return for supplying aid to the Lancastrians.[8]
