The sudden breakdown of his vassal-king left Edward face to face with a new Scotch war.

The Parliament which he summoned to advise on the enforcement of his claim showed no wish to plunge again into the contest and met him only with evasions and delays.

But Edward had gone too far to withdraw.

In March 1333 he appeared before Berwick, and besieged the town.

A Scotch army under the regent, Sir Archibald Douglas, brother to the famous Sir James, advanced to its relief in July and attacked a covering force which was encamped on the strong position of Halidon Hill.