On this day in 1679 at the Battle of Bothwell, the Covenanters were defeated by royal troops led by the Duke of Monmouth.

Ideological differences among the Covenanters factionalised them, and the resulting disorganisation contributed to the ease of the Royalists' victory. Although deaths on the field were few, 200 were killed later. Of the 1400 captured or surrendered, another 258 were shipwrecked while being transported in The Crown of London.

Today in 1680, one year to the day after the disaster of Bothwell Bridge, the Rev. Richard Cameron, and his brother Michael, rode into the town of Sanquhar with 20 Covenanter horsemen, calling for an end to the reign of Charles II. The so-called Sanquhar Declaration, naturally, was viewed as an act of treason and the heads of all involved were declared forfeit to the Crown.

Today's recipe: this berry crumble tray bake is an afternoon indulgence.