Note 113 — Chapter IV · Kenneth the Second—971–995.

Sim. Dun. de obs. Dun. (Twysden, p. 79). An. Ult. 1006. Through the error of some transcriber probably, these events are placed by Simeon in the year 969, when neither Malcolm nor Ethelred were reigning, nor was Ealdun bishop of Durham. The real date must have been in 1006, as the Ulster annals mention that in 1005 the Scots were defeated by the Saxons “with great slaughter of their nobles.” Fordun (l. 4, c. 43) has either mistaken this battle for the later one at Carham, or has unblushingly claimed it as a victory. Before the time of Canute the difference in titles of Eorl and Ealdorman, marked the different people over whom the possessor of the title was placed in authority. Oslac is addressed as Eorl, Ælfhere and Æthelwine as Ealdormen, in the Laws of Edgar, Sup. 15.