BattlefieldsPictish advance into Lothian after Nechtansmere 686
Early Medieval

Pictish advance into Lothian after Nechtansmere 686

686
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Pictish recovery of southern territories 686
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbrian settlers in Lothian
Forces
Northumbrian frontier settlers
VS
Victor
Picts (Bridei mac Beli)
Forces
Pictish war band
Outcome
Pictish forces moved south to reassert control over areas of Lothian following the destruction of the Northumbrian army at Nechtansmere
The Battle

History & Significance

In the year following Nechtansmere, the Picts pressed their advantage. Bridei mac Beli sent raiding parties into Lothian and may have temporarily recovered territory as far as the Firth of Forth. Northumbrian power in the north collapsed almost overnight after Ecgfrith died on the field. Though Northumbria eventually stabilised its border, the permanent expansion of Northumbrian power into Pictland was over forever.

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