Source 2: Rumours of an English invasion of Edinburgh

As news of the Scottish defeat at Flodden and the death of the king reached Edinburgh, rumours spread that the capital was in danger of being invaded by the English army. The magistrates and council made preparations to defend the town.

Extract from the Edinburgh Burgh records

10 September 1513

Forsamekill as thair is ane greit rumour now laitlie rysin within this toun tuiching our Souerane Lord and his army, of the quilk, we understand thair is cumin na veritie as yit, thairfore we charge straitlie and commandis in our said Souerane Lord the Kingis name, and the presidentis for the provest and baillies of this burgh, that all maner of personis nychtbouris within the samyn have reddye thair fensabill geir and wapponis of weir, and compeir thairwith to the said presidentis at jowyng of the commoun bell, for the keeping and defens of the toun aganis that wald invaid the samyn.

And als chairgis that all wemen, and specialie vagaboundis, that thai pas to thair labouris and be nocht sene upoun the gait clamorand and cryand, under the pane of banesing of the personis but fauouris, and that the uther wemen of gude pas to the kirk and pray quhane tyme requiris for our souerane Lord and his armye and nychtbouris being thairat, and hald thame at thair previe labouris of the gait within thair houssis as efferis.

(Edinburgh Burgh Records, (Burgh Record Society) vol.1, p. 143-4)

Translation

10 September 1513

For as much as there is a great rumour now lately rising within this town about our Sovereign Lord and his army, which we understand there is no truth as yet, therefore we order and command in the name of our said Sovereign Lord and the officers for the provost and baillies of this burgh, that all manner of people within the same get ready their defences and weapons of war, and appear therewith to the officers’ ringing of the common bell, for the keeping and defence of the town against those that would invade the same.

And also orders that all women, and specially vagabonds, continue with their work and not be seen about the gate clamouring and crying, under the pain of banishment of these people without favour, and that the other women of social standing go to the church and pray when time requires for our Sovereign Lord and his army and people being there, continue with their previous labours within their houses as is fitting.