BattlefieldsBattle of Brunanburh 937 — Scottish contingent
Early Medieval

Battle of Brunanburh 937 — Scottish contingent

937
Lancashire, England
Also known as: Brunanburh 937 — Constantine II defeated
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Lancashire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Scotland (Constantine II) and Norse-Irish alliance
Forces
c.10,000-15,000 Scots and Norse coalition
VS
Victor
England (Athelstan)
Forces
c.6,000-10,000 English under Athelstan
Outcome
Catastrophic defeat for Constantine II and his Norse-Irish allies; English supremacy established
The Battle

History & Significance

Constantine II led a great coalition of Scots, Norse-Irish under Olaf Guthfrithson, and Strathclyde Britons against Athelstan. The combined army was destroyed at Brunanburh — the exact location is disputed but likely in northern England or southern Scotland. Constantine II's son was killed. The Old English poem 'The Battle of Brunanburh' records the battle as the greatest since the Angles first came to Britain. Despite the defeat, Constantine II continued to reign in Scotland.

Casualties & Losses

Constantine II's son killed; Norse-Irish fleet destroyed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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