The Scotch leaders were, of course, aware of the gathering storm, and, collecting their forces, attempted a diversion by crossing the Border to the west and making a raid into Cumberland.
King Edward, however, marched north and besieged Berwick, the richest and most flourishing of the towns of Scotland.

With the exception of the castle, it was weakly fortified.

The attack was commenced by the fleet, who were, however, repulsed and driven off.

A land assault, led by the king in person, was then made; the walls were captured, and the town completely sacked.

The inhabitants were butchered without distinction of age, sex, or condition, and even those who fled to the churches were slain within the sanctuary.
Contemporary accounts differ as to the numbers who perished on this occasion.