[Name at NZ 00166384] Bloody Acres (Supposed Site of Battle) [TI]

Bloody Acres [TI]. (1)(2)



A field quarter of a mile east of Corbridge, in which there is a traditional account of a great battle having been fought but at what period is uncertain, most probably an early one, and may have been the site of the battle fought in 923 AD between Ragnal the Dane and Prince Ealred of Northumberland, who was aided by Constantine of Scotland, when the Dane was victorious. Until within the last 100 years, this field formed part of one great common. (3)



There is apparently no evidence for a Battle having been fought at this spot, and there are no suggestive indications on the ground by way of earthworks. (4)



The only battle recorded at Corbridge is that between Ragnal and Ealred which Irish and Pictish sources date to around 918 AD. These sources imply that Constantine of Scotland supported Ealred and that the joint army initially achieved success against the Danes. However, Ragnal surprised his opponents, perhaps by retaining a reserve force until needed, and routed his opponents. (5)



The site of the Battle of Corbridge, which is also known as the Battle of Bloody Acres, is located in the Corbridge area of Northumberland. The battle is thought to have taken place in 918 AD and been the second engagement of the Norse King Raegnald against the Scots, following another battle that had taken place earlier in 913-915 AD.

The battle took place on the banks of the Tyne River with some Englishmen fighting under the Norse King Raegnald. The Norse King defeated the Scots. (6)



The National Grid Reference for the site of the battle is: NZ00166384 (7)