Archaeology Notes

Event ID 667313

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/667313

NJ33NW 5 322 393.

(NJ 322 393). Site of Battle of Mortlach (NR) (AD. 1010).

OS 6" map, (1938)

No mention of this battle occurs in more modern books, and the main authority appears to be Hollinshead's Scottish Chronicle, where it is said to have been between Malcolm II and the Danes under Sweyn.

Harbottle 1904; A O Anderson 1922; W C Dickerson 1961; Information from R Hollinshead (ed.) 1805 'Scot. Chron' Vol. 1, 327.

The site and date of the Battle of Mortlach, are described in such detail by Shaw, whose prime authority appears to be Hollnshead, that there can be no doubt as to its authenticity. The tradition is still known locally, and, although no finds have been made recently, Shaw states that 'Human bones, broken sabres, and pieces of other ancient armour, have been from time to time accidentally discovered.'

Visited by OS (N K B) 25 January 1966; L Shaw 1882.