This Day in History: 1355-11-12

On 12th November 1355, Edward III returned to England, curtailing his French expedition in order to march north to repel Scottish forces led by the Earl of March and William, Lord of Douglas. The Scots had raided as far south as Durham and had slaughtered the Berwick-upon-Tweed garrison. John of Gaunt, later lord of Pontefract Castle, accompanied his elder brother, Lionel. Edward’s eventual march to Edinburgh, burning, pillaging and slaying en route became known as ‘Burnt Candlemas’.