Archaeological Finds Support Local Folklore of Merlin’s Grave

In the tranquil region of Tweeddale in southern Scotland, the ancient village of Drumelzier has long been entwined with the legend of Merlin, the mythical wizard famously linked to King Arthur. According to the Vita Merlini Sylvestris—a medieval text likely composed in Glasgow during the 12th century—Merlin was imprisoned, killed, and buried by the banks of the River Tweed. While these tales have captured imaginations for centuries, recent archaeological investigations led by GUARD Archaeology have unearthed evidence that may connect these legendary narratives to real historical sites.

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Left, Tinnis Fort site and right, reconstruction of how it was around AD 600 (illustration by Chris Mitchell/© GUARD Archaeology Ltd)

Excavations at Tinnis Fort

In 2022, a dedicated team of volunteers and archaeologists embarked on an ambitious project to explore the archaeological heritage of the Drumelzier area. Their efforts have yielded remarkable findings that shed light on the region's early medieval past, particularly during the time when Merlin’s legend is believed to have originated.

One of the most significant discoveries was at Tinnis Fort, a prominent hillfort overlooking the supposed location of Merlin's grave. The fort was found to have been occupied in the late 6th and early 7th centuries AD, aligning with the period when the story of Merlin is set. This fort, with its commanding view of the Tweed Valley, likely served as a stronghold for local lords, reinforcing the idea that the area was of considerable importance during the early medieval period.

The excavation also revealed the presence of vitrified ramparts at Tinnis, indicating the fort's destruction in a dramatic conflagration during the Late Iron Age. This evidence points to a violent conflict, likely part of the power struggles that characterized the era as emerging kingdoms vied for dominance in the region.

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The Enigmatic Thirlestane Barrows

Across the River Tweed from Tinnis Fort, the team investigated the Thirlestane Barrows, a group of ancient burial mounds. Among these, they discovered a square barrow dating to between the late 3rd and late 6th centuries AD. This barrow, distinct from the older Bronze Age round barrows surrounding it, contained the remains of individuals of exceptional status, suggesting that the site held significant importance for the early Britons of the area.

Thirlestane Square Barrow excavation. (© GUARD Archaeology Ltd)

The proximity of this later burial to the much older barrows implies that the site retained its sacred or cultural significance for millennia. This continuity of use underscores the deep historical consciousness of the people living in ancient Tweeddale, who were likely aware of the ancient stories and legends tied to the landscape.

Merlin reciting his poem in a 13th-century illustration for ‘Merlin’ by Robert de Boron (Public Domain)

Merlin's Grave: Legend Meets Archaeology

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the project was the geophysical survey conducted near the site traditionally associated with Merlin’s grave. The survey revealed an archaeological feature resembling a grave, lending some credence to the legend. While it is impossible to confirm whether this is indeed the final resting place of Merlin, the presence of such a feature in a location steeped in folklore suggests that the story of Merlin may have roots in real historical events or practices.

The legend of Merlin, rich with pre-Christian customs and ancient Cumbric names, appears to have evolved locally, possibly originating as a folk memory passed down through generations. Over time, these stories may have become embellished, eventually spreading far beyond Drumelzier and transforming into the mythic tale we know today.

A Continuous History: From Prehistory to the Middle Ages

The Drumelzier’s Hidden Heritage project also uncovered evidence of much older human activity in the region. Flint blade fragments from the Late Mesolithic to Early Neolithic period were found on the summit of Tinnis, hinting at the presence of some of the earliest human inhabitants to explore the Tweed Valley. These ancient people, like their medieval successors, were likely drawn to the strategic and symbolic significance of the hill.

The discoveries at Tinnis and Thirlestane span multiple eras, from the Late Mesolithic through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and into the medieval period. This long continuum of occupation illustrates the enduring importance of the Tweeddale region in Scotland’s history. By the 14th century, the site of Tinnis was once again fortified, this time with a castle built by the Tweedies of Drumelzier, who served as staunch defenders of the Scottish crown against English incursions.

Reconstruction of Tinnis Castle during the fifteenth century (illustration by Chris Mitchell/GUARD Archaeology Ltd).

A Legacy Preserved in Legend and Archaeology

The Drumelzier’s Hidden Heritage project has significantly deepened our understanding of the region’s rich archaeological record and its connection to the legends that have long been associated with it. While the exact origins of the Merlin legend may never be fully unraveled, the archaeological evidence suggests that the story could have emerged from a local tradition rooted in the landscape and its history.

This project was a collaborative effort involving local heritage groups, volunteers, and experts from GUARD Archaeology, with support from various funding bodies, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Their work highlights the value of combining archaeological research with community engagement to uncover and preserve the cultural heritage of regions like Tweeddale.

The published report on the project, ARO56: Unearthing Ancient Tweeddale: Tinnis Castle, Thirlestane Barrows and Merlin’s Grave, is also available for free online, offering an in-depth look at the discoveries and their significance.

Top image: Reconstruction of Tinnis Late Iron Age Fort ablaze.                  Source: © GUARD Archaeology Ltd

By Gary Manners