Hi all. I'm doing some intensive research into the history of Bernicia, Northumbria's Northern Kingdom, and of neighbouring Lothian, which came under Bernician rule in the 7th century. It seems to me that the genetic data could settle a lot of issues which have been the subject of debate for historians and archaeologists for several decades and I'm hoping that some of the experts here might be kind enough to help give me a little guidance, as someone who has almost no understanding of the genetic data, as well as point me to any relevant studies and articles.
I'm very aware of the historical and archaeological evidence for Bernicia and Lothian, as well as the usual interpretations of them, so I'm specifically and exclusively looking for insight into what the genetic data itself reveals, rather than a restating of what are believed to be the historical facts, or the various interpretations of them.
My particular focus is the issue of Anglian settlement in Bernicia and across the Tweed in Lothian. For decades now, archaeologists have been commenting on the distinct lack of evidence for the Anglo-Saxons north of the Tees. Historians too have concluded that Bernicia must have remained overwhelmingly British Celtic in terms of population with very little Anglian settlement, mainly at the 'elite level'.
It seems to me, as a layman, that the PoBI data supports this position, with Northumbria looking quite unlike England South of the Tees and with relatively low levels of GER3 (lower than Cornwall and even parts of North East Scotland).
Strangely, although most historians and archaeologists happily acknowledge the great lack of evidence for any significant Anglo-Saxon settlement north of the Tees, it is still common - when the context switches to Scottish History - to speak of heavy Anglian settlement in Lothian, which is obviously a bit of a contradiction, as Lothian would naturally have less Anglian settlement than the entity (Bernicia) which is supposed to have settled it - not more.
However, what little data there is for Lothian in the PoBI project also shows - as I understand it - very little Anglian ancestry, with none of the tell tale red squares of the PoBI map which litter Central and South Eastern England making it much further than Newcastle.
Anyway, I'm hoping some of the more experienced posters here might offer their thoughts on this subject of Bernicia and Lothian and the Angles and perhaps point me in the right direction.
I look forward to hearing any comments and discussing them with you.
I'm very aware of the historical and archaeological evidence for Bernicia and Lothian, as well as the usual interpretations of them, so I'm specifically and exclusively looking for insight into what the genetic data itself reveals, rather than a restating of what are believed to be the historical facts, or the various interpretations of them.
My particular focus is the issue of Anglian settlement in Bernicia and across the Tweed in Lothian. For decades now, archaeologists have been commenting on the distinct lack of evidence for the Anglo-Saxons north of the Tees. Historians too have concluded that Bernicia must have remained overwhelmingly British Celtic in terms of population with very little Anglian settlement, mainly at the 'elite level'.
It seems to me, as a layman, that the PoBI data supports this position, with Northumbria looking quite unlike England South of the Tees and with relatively low levels of GER3 (lower than Cornwall and even parts of North East Scotland).
Strangely, although most historians and archaeologists happily acknowledge the great lack of evidence for any significant Anglo-Saxon settlement north of the Tees, it is still common - when the context switches to Scottish History - to speak of heavy Anglian settlement in Lothian, which is obviously a bit of a contradiction, as Lothian would naturally have less Anglian settlement than the entity (Bernicia) which is supposed to have settled it - not more.
However, what little data there is for Lothian in the PoBI project also shows - as I understand it - very little Anglian ancestry, with none of the tell tale red squares of the PoBI map which litter Central and South Eastern England making it much further than Newcastle.
Anyway, I'm hoping some of the more experienced posters here might offer their thoughts on this subject of Bernicia and Lothian and the Angles and perhaps point me in the right direction.
I look forward to hearing any comments and discussing them with you.
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