On 9 September 1513, an English army defeated the invading Scots at the Battle of Flodden near Branxton in Northumberland. King James IV of Scotland was killed along with many of the leading men of his kingdom.

James had invaded England in support of Scotland’s alliance with France. Henry VIII was campaigning in France, fighting alongside the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I against Louis XII. Henry had anticipated a possible Scottish attack and preparations had been made to defend northern England.

The Scottish army crossed the River Tweed and captured several English strongholds, including Norham, Ford and Etal. An English army commanded by Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, moved north to meet it.

After manoeuvring for position, the armies met near Branxton on 9 September. The Scots probably had the larger force, but the battle ended in a decisive English victory.

Scottish losses were severe. Estimates vary considerably, but several thousand Scots were killed. English losses were much smaller. James IV died in the fighting, along with many Scottish nobles, churchmen and landowners.

James was the last British monarch to be killed in battle. His death left the Scottish crown to his son James V, who was little more than a year old.