Otterburn, Battle of, also known as the Chevy Chase, was a battle that took place on the English–Scottish border in August 1388. The Scots, led by Sir James Douglas, the Earl of Douglas, made a raid into northern England with around 6,000 troops. They attacked Newcastle, where Douglas stole the pennon (personal banner) of the English warden, Sir Henry Percy. According to the code of chivalry, this theft was an insult to Sir Henry. Chivalry was the code of behavior and ethics that knights were to follow.
Sir Henry wanted revenge, and he led an English army of about 8,000 troops in pursuit of the Scots. Percy’s army caught up with them along the River Rede near the village of Otterburn. It was late in the day, but Percy, who was known as Hotspur for his impulsive nature, refused to wait until morning to strike. The English attacked at nightfall, and the two sides fought the battle by moonlight. The English archers were ineffective in the darkness, and the Scots rallied. Douglas was killed, but by daybreak the Scots had gained the advantage. Percy was captured, and the English army fled.
About 1,500 soldiers died in the Battle of Otterburn. Sir Henry Percy was eventually released after his family paid a large ransom. The French historian Jean Froissart wrote an account of the battle in his Chronicles (1369-1400?). The battle is often connected to the English song “Ballad of Chevy Chase.” The ballad tells the story of a hunting party, or chase, in the Cheviot Hills that leads to conflict. The battle also inspired a Scottish ballad, “The Battle of Otterburn.”
