BattlefieldsBattle of Nechtansmere
Early Medieval

Battle of Nechtansmere

685
Angus, Scotland
Also known as: Battle of Dun Nechtain · Battle of Linn Garan
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Angus, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbrians (Ecgfrith)
Forces
Pictish force; Northumbrians largely destroyed
VS
Victor
Picts (Bridei mac Bili)
Forces
c.5,000 Northumbrians (Ecgfrith)
Outcome
Ecgfrith killed; Northumbrian expansion north permanently checked
The Battle

History & Significance

King Ecgfrith of Northumbria, despite the warnings of Cuthbert, led his army into Pictish territory. The Picts lured him into an ambush beside a loch. Ecgfrith and most of his army were killed. The defeat permanently ended Northumbrian expansion into Scotland and the north. Bede described it as the turning point at which Northumbrian power began to decline. Scotland north of the Forth remained beyond English reach.

Casualties & Losses

Ecgfrith and most of his army killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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