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The 9ft
inscribed ‘Turpillian
Stone’ of the 4th century AD at Crickhowell, Wales is a
particular early account of the name Duncan. The Celtic Ogham – early
form of Celtic writing – on the pillar stone seems to already
support an early Latin translation incised into the stone “TURPILLI IC
IACIT PUUERI TRILUNI DUNOCATI” which according to scholars matches the
Ogham markings around the outer edge of the stone. Translated into
English “He lies here, son of
Trilunus Dunocatus” - Dunocatus meaning ‘Fort Warrior’ –
similar to that of the Celtic Irish, Donnocatus - Donnchad “Brown
Warrior”.
A Mr
Jones Found the stone at Ty'n y Wlad farm, Crickhowell around 1774 being
used as a foot stone across a ditch. He recognised it might be of some
historical importance and removed it from there to the edge of an
adjacent field but it had already suffered a fair amount of ware. The
‘Turpillian Stone’ as it is known can now be found in the Brecknock
Museum.
The Ulster Dalriada
or Dál
Riata Scotti (Scots) did successfully colonise the south east of
Northern Britain (Scotland) by 500AD but, they also made various
unsuccessful attempts to invade Wales. Is the ‘Turpillian Stone’
evidence
of such an earlier invasion attempt?
By
John A. Duncan of Sketraw, KCN, FSA Scot. |
