Battlefields›Battle of Degsastan 603
Early Medieval

Battle of Degsastan 603

603
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Also known as: Degsastan · Dawston
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Scottish Borders, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Dal Riata (Aedan mac Gabrain)
Forces
Bernician Northumbrians
VS
Victor
Northumbria (Aethelfrith)
Forces
Dal Riatan Irish-Scots with British allies
Outcome
Dal Riatan invasion crushed; Northumbrian dominance of the north established for a generation
The Battle

History & Significance

Aethelfrith of Bernicia destroyed the Dal Riatan army of Aedan mac Gabrain at Degsastan, ending Scottish ambitions in northern England. Bede recorded that no Irish king dared challenge the English again for a long time. Aethelfrith brother Theobald and Aedan son Domangart were among the dead.

Casualties & Losses

Aedan son Domangart and most of the Dal Riatan army killed; Aethelfrith brother Theobald also slain

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Battle of Degsastan 603

Ulston Moor,Roman camp 600m N of Overwells
Scheduled monument · Roman · ~2 miles
Peniel Heugh, fort
Scheduled monument · Iron Age · ~2.2 miles
Round barrow, pit circle, enclosure and pit 180m southwest of Eckford Mill
Scheduled monument · Post-Medieval · ~2.3 miles
Cappuck,Roman fort
Scheduled monument · Iron Age · ~2.4 miles
Haughhead Kip,mound
Scheduled monument · ~2.6 miles
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