OS1/4/23/116

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
Site of BATTLE OF MORTLACH A.D. 1010 Battle of Mortlach Continued [continued from page 115] Some think that, for conveying its cebrity to the future ages, was erected the stately obelisk still standing at Forres. Certain it is, that soon after the Danes finally left the Kingdom. *** As traditional and pretty sure memorials of this famous battle, are pointed out; 1st. The vestiges of an intrenchment, very distinct at this day, on the summit of Little Conval-hill, called by the neighbourhood the Danish Camp. 2nd. A number of the tumuli, or cairns, supposed to have been collected over the bodies of the fallen. 3. A huge and irregularly roundish stone, formerly, it is said, on the grave of Enetus, but now rolled a few ells from its station over the corpse, and made part of a fence about a field of corn. *** 4. A square bit of ground, almost covered with whins, into which multitudes of the dead were tumbled. *** 5. The length of Malcolm's spear added to the church, at the west end, in performance of part of his vow. It has been the spear of a Goliah, 23 or 24 feet long. 6. Three holes, exactly of the shape of skulls, in this additional and votive part of the house, yet to be seen; where the heads of three Danes of distinction had, with too barbarous a triumph, were originally built in the wall. *** 7. A Standing Stone on the glebe, having on two of its opposite sides some rude and unintelligible sculpture: Human bones, broken sabres, and other military armour, have been at different times accidentally discovered in this part of the country: And in ploughing the glebe, about 40 or 50 years ago, there was a chain of gold turned up, which looked like an ornament for the neck of one of the chiefs." Old Statistical Account

Continued entries/extra info

[page] 116
Co [County] of Banff -- Ph [Parish] of Mortlach

[note]
On Referring the latter portion of this extract to the 'field' the Examiner states " I have made enquiry Respecting this extract and find it to be a copy from a history of Moray, supposed to have been written on supposition. There are a few in this neighbourhood who say that it is Traditionally believed that such was found, but there is none of them can point out the place, in fact they disagree so far as to be uncertain as to what field they were supposed to have been turned up".

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Bizzy- Moderator, hastingleigh, Jeannie Thow

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