Researchers identify earliest evidence of a trebuchet fatality in Scotland

Researchers at the University of Bradford identified the earliest archaeological evidence of a death caused by a trebuchet, a medieval siege engine.

Jo Buckberry led a team that analyzed skeletons found beneath the chapel of Stirling Castle in Scotland. The findings were based on remains dating to the early 14th century, which showed signs of severe violent trauma.

The team focused on Skeleton 150, a man between 22 and 34 years old who suffered 160 fractures at the time of his death. These injuries included 61 skull breaks and nearly 60 rib fractures. Using radiography and micro-CT scanning, the researchers determined the man suffered a high-velocity, high-force impact from behind. They ruled out falls or trampling, noting that the injuries resembled those seen in modern car or train collisions.

Buckberry suggests the man was struck by a boulder during a 1304 siege of Stirling Castle by Edward I. While no written records of casualties from siege engines exist for that event, the physical evidence aligns with the use of machines like The War Wolf, a massive trebuchet that fired 140kg missiles.