In Search of Merlin and a Hidden Heritage
In the late 6th century AD, at Drumelzier, Merlin was witness to a sex scandal involving the Chief’s wife. An attempted cover-up resulted in the assassination of Merlin on the banks of the Tweed – or so the story goes…
Beneath the ruins of the mediaeval Tinnis Castle lies an earlier hillfort. Over two weeks in August 2022, a team of volunteers and professional archaeologists investigated whether this was indeed occupied at the time of the Merlin story.
In October 2022, excavations were extended to nearby burial sites at Thirlestane Barrows and Drumelzier.
What evidence is there of life here in the mid 500’s?
Dark Age Digs Blog
This project is funded and supported by:
Merlin Conference
What is Fact and what is Fake? Videos are now online of The International Multidisciplinary Merlin Conference held on September 2022 in Moffat where we explore the Man behind the Legend.
Uncovering the Past...
When and how it was it occupied? When and why was it burnt to the ground? What can we discover about the people, their lifestyle, and their connections with the wider world? Was this perhaps the capital of Goddeu – ‘the Land of Trees’? And can the archaeology throw any light on the roots of Merlin’s connection with this part of the Scottish Borders?
Drawing on earlier sources, an account, written in around 1150, tells us that when Merlin was on his way to meet St Mungo at Stobo, Merlin was given hospitality here by Meldred, the chief.
By accident, Merlin discovered that Meldred’s much younger wife was having a clandestine affair with the steward. If discovered, it could have meant a death sentence. Merlin was discreet and to put a stop to it, he told a riddle, nonsensical to everyone except the young couple to whom it became clear that he knew their secret.
Merlin went on his way and had his meeting with Mungo. The road in those days was on the north bank of the Tweed, so on his way back, he had to ford the river.
When he was half way across, a gang of anonymous assassins emerged from the bushes. He was stoned and clubbed until he fell backwards on to a stake for fishing nets. It pierced his body. His head went underwater and finally he drowned. It is recorded that he was buried nearby.
Investigations
Between August and November 2022 further archaeological investigations will examine various burial sites.
Visitors are welcome to visit the dig locations and progress on the discovery of a hidden heritage will be reported with regular updates here on www.dark-age-digs.com.
Tinnis Castle Hillfort
8th to 19th August 2022
A topographic survey to establish a modern plan and 3D model and excavation of three trenches. This hillfort is defined by the remains of a rampart enclosing the natural summit of the knoll, supplemented by the remains of two non-concentric outer ramparts.
Thirlestane Barrows
17th to 28th October 2022
The project will examine a sample of early medieval burial representative of not only other sites in the Scottish Borders but relevant and applicable to sites in other regions of Scotland.
Merlin's Grave
7th November 2022
According to legend, Merlin was reputedly buried on the haugh on the east bank of the Tweed, north of Drumelzier Church. The project will undertake a geophysics survey of the field to confirm if there is any archaeological evidence for a cist grave here.
Find Out More
The Hidden History of Dark Age Tweeddale Community Archaeological Excavation project is a collaboration between the Arthur Trail Association, local heritage groups and GUARD Archaeology Ltd.
We will investigate the archaeological context of the significance of the Merlin legend, set within an early medieval era.
The Project
Discovering new archaeological evidence of this forgotten aspect of Scotland’s historical culture.
Collaboration
The project aims to promote Scotland’s Dark Age heritage through encouraging public participation.
Volunteer Hub
The surveys and excavations will enable the participation of up to 12 volunteers per day.
Fieldwork Training Workshop
10am | Saturday 6th August 2022
News & Events
Discussion Group
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Background Photo: Red Deer (Cervus elaphus)
