During the civil war in England known as The Anarchy, King David I of Scotland chose to fight for his niece, Matilda.
This left David free to resume his invasion, which he did, crossing into Northumberland on 15 April and laying siege to Norham Castle.
[2] It was around the time of the siege of Norham castle that William fitz Duncan, the Mormaer of Moray, was placed in command of a part of the Scottish forces, including a contingent of Galwegians, and was sent to raid into the lands of Craven and Clitheroe.
What is known is that the Scottish forces led by William fitz Duncan encountered a heavily armoured English army in chainmail and helmets near the river Ribble on 10 June.
[4] The battle resulted in a victory for the Scottish army, with English sources saying the river Ribble ran red with blood.