The Battle of the Standard (1138), which is also known as the Battle of Northallerton, was an attempt by David I to exploit the dynastic power struggle in England between Stephen and Matilda. Seeking to wrest additional territory, David invaded northern England in Summer 1138 but was engaged and defeated by an army raised by Thurstan, Archbishop of York.

After a year of campaigning James Graham, Marquis of Montrose achieved his final and greatest victory when he defeated the last Covenanter army in Scotland at the Battle of Kilsyth (1645). With the country back under Royalist control, it briefly offered Charles I a glimmer of hope that the civil war may yet be won.

At the Battle of Preston (1715), an Anglo-Scottish Jacobite army was engaged by Government forces. Fought within the confines of the town itself, the Jacobites mounted a spirited defence successfully repelling the first assaults on their lines. However, as more Government troops arrived they had little choice but to surrender.