A Wirral Location for the Battle of Brunanburh

There has been significant local publicity in the North-West relating to the search for the site of the Battle of Brunanburh.1 The purpose of this article is not to review recent metal detector findings, but to explore why the Wirral would have made strategic sense as the location for the conflict.2 To contextualise the discussion, brief consideration is given to the historical events surrounding the battle, the development of narratives about the conflict (including the claim that it took place near the River Humber), and the place-name evidence. It should be noted that many different locations have been put forward for the battle site, and no doubt arguments for alternative locations will continue. However, consideration of geographical factors as well as linguistic and historical evidence make a strong case that this conflict took place in the Wirral and in the vicinity of present-day Bromborough.