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The search for a battlesite deemed one of the most significant in English history is continuing in the Wirral, according to the Liverpool Echo, as councillors are set to weigh in on the battlesite.
The Battle of Brunanburh in 937AD is seen by many historians as the point of origin of English national identity. Over 1,000 years later, however, the exact location remains unknown to the public. The battle was fought between the King of England, Æhelstan and a joint force under King Anlaf of Dublin, King Constantine of Alba, and King Owain of Strathclyde. Many theorise that the location of the battle is Bromborough.
Suggestions across Britain have been made for where the potential battle site could've been, but there is a widely accepted theory: The battle occurred somewhere in the Wirral.
Wirral Archaeology CIC, a non-profit who research historical events across the area, has been trying to find the battlefield's location.
A report before Wirral Council's Tourism, Communities, Culture & Leisure Committee explains that the search has unearthed items spanning millennia across the borough.
The report states: "We have verified artefacts from the Mesolithic period stretching right through to the modern era. Mesolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman, early Medieval, Medieval and post Medieval artefacts demonstrate, to date, eleven thousand years or so of human activity on the Wirral."
The report hints at the findings of Roman artefacts, which could indicate an "unknown settlement or farmhouse". The report adds the findings are a "work in progress". It is also noted that the specific items found cannot be revealed for safeguarding reasons.
Finding proof that the battlefield was in the Wirral is significant, as the council wants to boost tourism. If proven, naturally tourism would increase within the area, which is important considering Birkenhead has been shortlisted for the Town of Culture award 2028.
Not to mention the fact that councilors are hoping Birkenhead Park will qualify as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If the Battle of Brunanburh site is confirmed in Wirral, it would become the oldest registered battlefield in the country, predating Maldon by over half a century.
During the committee meeting, councillors will be presented with the report and some of the artefacts found in the borough.
