BattlefieldsNorthumbrian seizure of Edinburgh Rock 638
Early Medieval

Northumbrian seizure of Edinburgh Rock 638

638
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Northumbrian capture of Din Eidyn 638
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Gododdin (Din Eidyn garrison)
Forces
Gododdin garrison of Din Eidyn
VS
Victor
Northumbria (Oswald)
Forces
Northumbrian siege army
Outcome
Northumbrian siege and capture of the Gododdin stronghold of Din Eidyn; Lothian passed under Northumbrian control
The Battle

History & Significance

The Annals of Ulster record that Oswald besieged and captured Din Eidyn in 638 — the fortress on the rock that would become Edinburgh Castle. This was the decisive moment when Lothian passed from British/Gododdin hands to Anglian Northumbria. The kingdom of the Gododdin effectively ended here. Edinburgh would remain part of Northumbria until Malcolm II reconquered Lothian at Carham in 1018.

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