Sark1448

Battle of Enbo

Battle of Enbo
Date 1259 Location Between the town of Dornock, and the ferry of Unes in Scotland Result Decisive Scottish victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of Scotland	Denmark Norwegian allies
Commanders and leaders
William, Earl of Sutherland	Unknown Danish General
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown, comparatively light	Unknown, comparatively heavy

In the year 1259, the Danes and Norwegians having landed at the ferry of Unes, proceeded to ravage the county of Sutherland, committing the most savage excesses, and slaying numbers of the peasantry. William Earl of Sutherland resolved to oppose those ancient enemies of the country, who had often scourged it by their periodical visits, not withstanding the many severe defeats they had sustained. Mustering his numerous vassals he marched against the Danes, whom he met at a place called Enbo, between the ferry of Unes and the ancient episcopal city of Dornoch. The conflict which ensued was obstinate and bloody. The Danes fought from desperation, the men of Suther land to protect their country, and to rid themselves of the common enemy; but the invaders were at last overthrown with great slaughter, and the survivors were pursued to their ships. The Thane of Sutherland is traditionally said to have exhibited great bravery on this occasion, and it was his personal valor which chiefly determined the victory. He singled out the Danish general, towards whom he fought his way; but while thus forcing a passage through the Danes to encounter their chief he was accidentally disarmed. The gallant nobleman seized the leg of a horse, which he opportunely found lying on the ground near the mutilated body of the animal, and with it he inflicted a mortal blow on the Danish general, who almost instantly expired.

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