Wirral's Hidden History Revealed
WA CIC – Brunanburh
In regard to recent podcasts. Wirral Archaeology CIC ‘have never claimed to have discovered the site of the battle of Brunanburh’. We have been searching for the site and have found artefacts that are contemporary with the period. Our investigations continue but let this be clear. The battlefield has not been identified. If and when such a claim is ever made then…
History and Heritage Fair – Brunanburh
In 937 at Brunanburh, The Army of Mercia – led by King Athelstan faced the combined forces of Ireland – led by King Anlaf, Scotland – led by King Constantine and Strathclyde – led by King Owain ap Dyfnwal. The site for this battle is hotly contested but Wirral Archaeology CiC, and several other recognised historians, firmly believe that it took place on the Wirral.
PAS Finds Released
Wirral Archaeology CIC is proud to show a few of the finds from our project ‘The Search for the Battle of Brunanburh’ These finds have been assessed by PAS – Portable Antiquities Scheme and can be viewed on our Search for Brunanburh gallery page. Gallery – the search for brunanburh
Battlefield Trust Presentation
Wirral Archaeology were pleased to host members of the Battlefield Trust on 18th September to an event to discuss the Battle of Brunanburh. Speakers included Dave Capener author of “Brunanburh and the Routes to Dingesmere” Chas Jones author of “Finding Fulford- The Search for the First Battle of 1066” Stephen Harding author of “Ingimunds Saga – Viking Wirral” and…
The Battle of Maldon
An act of heroic honour or gross stupidity?
The battle of Maldon, August the 10th or 11th, 991
Athelstan’s victory in 937 at Brunanburh, did not remove the Viking threat and after the king’s death, his successors, Edmund the 1st and Eadred had to deal with several Viking attempts to re-establish their rule in York and Northumberland. Anglo Saxon England did not become reunified until 954 when Eadred finally established full control.
Owain the First
Owain Ap Dyfnwal was a Northern British King who fought alongside Anlaf Guthfrithson and Constantine of Alba at the battle of Brunanburh in 937 AD.
He was king of Strathclyde, a kingdom of indigenous Britons, who’s Kingdom was formed during the post Roman period when the ethnic groups of the British Isles fought to create independent countries during a period of political instability and foreign invasion.
Egil Skallagrimsson
Egil Skallagrimsson was as Icelandic Viking who fought for the Anglo-Saxons at the battle of Brunanburh in 937 AD.
He appears to have had an adventurous life, but his life story, recorded by a relative, namely one Snorri Sturluson, over 200 years after the event’s of Egil’s lifetime, is embellished and as is typical with many of the Viking saga’s needs to be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt
Wirral Archaeology feature in new Bernard Cornwell book.
Wirral Archaeology are grateful to Bernard Cornwell for his shout out in the notes for his latest book “War Lord” You can buy the book from your local book shop or from the usual online places.
Wirral Archaeology and the Search for the Battle of Brunanburh
For centuries, Historians, Scholars and Antiquarians have debated and argued as to where the battle took place. Academics too, have studied the various chronicles and many have advocated several locations with many placing the battle as having been fought on the East Coast, near the River Humber or in Lancashire, near Burnley. Other locations claim the battle, but the current Academic consensus, is that it was fought on the Wirral.