378 Rev. R. Jones on the Battle of Flodden Field. 



Ill the centre of tlils bog or moat of water, and opposite the 

 road leading to Mardon, there was an ancient bridge, called by 

 the old people, " Branx Brig." This bridge, according to the 

 tradition of the oldest inhabitants, whose ancestors for genera- 

 tions had resided in Branx ton and the neighbourhood, was 

 always pointed out as the bridge over which the English 

 passed on their way to battle. The foundations of this bridge 

 were to be seen thirty or forty years ago ; and indeed some 

 of the stones still remain, but in making proper levels through 

 the bog, the greater part has been moved away. 



The rear-guard, after having passed Sandyford, would 

 march westward for the village of Branxton ; one part might 

 pass to the south of Pallinsburn bog, and the other through 

 the centre over '* Branx Brig," both close in sight of each 

 other, and take up their position south and east of the village. 

 The van-guard, under Lord Thomas Howard, would march, 

 after passing over Twizel Bridge, on the beaten road by way 

 of Cornhill, then turn for the Barelees toll on the road that 

 formerly led to Branxton, and fake up its position to the 

 west of the church and village, both of which in those days 

 were considerably larger tha,n at present. 



These "two columns, although a few miles apart, would be 

 in constant communication with each other. The Borderers 

 on their fleet steeds would be galloping to and from each 

 division ; orders would be given, received, and cheerfully 

 obeyed by men who were expecting almost every moment to 

 be engaged in deadly combat with their enemy. All eyes 

 would be turned towards the Scotch army posted in battle 

 array on the hill before them, and every man would hasten to 

 take up his place assigned him on the battle field by his 

 commander. 



The van-guard under Lord Thomas Howard, assisted by 

 his brother Sir Edmond Howard and Sir Marmaduke Con- 

 stable, formed in position to the south-west of the church, 

 in the fields leading to Moneylaws ; behind these three 

 divisions were placed the baggage-waggons, as a protection 

 to their rear, and amongst these soldiers was the standard 

 bearer. Sir John Forster, belonging to the bishopric of 

 Durham, who carried aloof the banner of St. Cuthbert. The 

 Earl of Surrey, who commanded the rear-guard, was placed 

 near the vicarage house, assisted by Sir Philip Tylney, Henry 

 Lord Scrope of Bolton, and others of the nobility of the 

 northern counties, and on his right and left by Lord Dacre 

 with 2000 horse drawn up in his rear ; immediately in and 



