Linlithgow Civic Trust

Projects

Battle 500

Commemorating 500 years of our history, 1526-2026

2026 marks the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge.  To commemorate this significant battle, a group of local and community groups, led by the Civic Trust and Sally Pattle (Local Councillor and Manager of Far From The Madding Crowd bookshop) are coming together to organise a series of special events.

The Background

The Battle of Linlithgow Bridge, fought on 4th September 1526, was the bloodiest encounter in the power struggle for control of the 14 year old King James V. The young King was kept a virtual prisoner by his self-appointed guardian, Archibald Douglas, after the death of his father, King James IV, at the battle of Flodden in 1513.  Some 10,000 of the Earl of Lennox’s men, supporting the cause of the Dowager Queen Margaret, became trapped near Linlithgow Bridge after crossing the River Avon. The opposing force, led by the Earl of Arran, was soon joined by pro-Douglas reinforcements from Edinburgh and the resulting massacre led to 3,000 men being slain and Lennox himself being murdered despite his surrender.

It is fair to say that this battle has largely been forgotten by most Scottish history followers, and even by most residents of Linlithgow, but it is highly significant in terms of the Stewart line of succession, and of course, it happened right here in our historic town. This is why we’d like to raise the profile of the battle and make sure it’s never forgotten again.

What’s happening in 2026?

We are excited to announce that we are planning to raise the profile of the battle and the battlefield by holding a series of events in 2026.  These are some of the ideas so far, several of which have already been agreed:

  • Special projects during the year by the Primary Schools and the Academy
  • Battle re-enactment at the battlefield site and/or in model form using wargame figures
  • Battle themed:
    • The Marches – floats and shop window displays
    • Gala Day
    • Spectacular Jousting weekend
    • Vennel bed floral display
    • Artisan Market
  • A conference with local and academic experts
  • Illustrated talk by local historian and author Bruce Jamieson in St Michael’s Church
  • Guided walks and metal-detecting surveys on and around the battlefield site
  • Commemorative craft ale by Strangers Brewing Co
  • Weapons workshop at Linlithgow Palace
  • Linlithgow Players’ original short play, set in the town during the battle
  • Exhibition in the Linlithgow Museum
  • Interactive map at Historic Environment Scotland sites linked with the battle
  • Parade along the High Street to the battlefield site
  • Commissioning of a permanent monument
How do I get involved?

Please take the theme back to your group, organisation or business and explore the possibilities; add new plans or ideas to the list above; and aim to participate in, and attend, as many activities as possible in 2026.  To join the group planning this amazing year of activities email: sally@maddingcrowdlinlithgow.com or mike.dunning@lbt.scot

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