Battles & Campaigns · 1651
Battle of Inverkeithing
Inverkeithing, Fife, Scotland, UK
What happened
Holborne drew up his army on the slopes of Castland Hill near Inverkeithing. The Scottish cavalry charged the weaker English side and did well at first, but the English reserve charged back and routed them. English cavalry then defeated the Scottish infantry as it withdrew.
Why it matters
It let Cromwell ship most of his army across the Firth of Forth and capture Perth, then the seat of the Scottish government.
What came next
Charles II and Leslie marched into England and were defeated at Worcester on 3 September.
Did you know?
After the battle Lambert found two spent bullets stuck in his jacket.
Timeline
- 3 Sep 1650Battle of Dunbar.
- 20 Jul 1651Battle of Inverkeithing.
- 3 Sep 1651Battle of Worcester.