Timeline Wednesday 20 May 685

Events on Wednesday 20 May 685 2

• 645 – 685 Ecgfrith of Northumbria (645-685) Died 20 May 685, aged 40 Ecgfrith became king of Northumbria in 670 and pursued aggressive campaigns against the Picts and the Irish. He was killed leading his army deep into Pictish territory at the Battle of Dun Nechtain. His death broke Northumbrian military dominance in northern Britain.
• 685 Battle of Dun Nechtain Picts under Bridei III crush a Northumbrian invasion Pictish forces led by King Bridei III ambushed and annihilated a Northumbrian army at Dun Nechtain (Nechtansmere) on 20 May 685. King Ecgfrith of Northumbria was killed along with most of his bodyguard. The defeat ended Northumbrian overlordship of the Picts and halted its northward expansion for good.