On 2nd September 2015 Durham University confirmed that a mass grave discovered on their grounds is that of the “Dunbar Martyrs”. These were Scots soldiers imprisoned by Cromwell’s forces in Durham Cathedral and Castle after the Battle of Dunbar in 1650. Approximately 1700 of them died of starvation and disease during their captivity. The survivors were sold as slaves in the “new world”. It is 365 years since the Battle of Dunbar and surely time for appropriate respect.

With this welcome confirmation of the hitherto unknown location of mass grave it is here proposed that the remains of the Scots soldiers are returned and repatriated to their homeland of Scotland and to an appropriate site for re-burial.

As an individual involved in earlier campaigning for respect and remembrance of the soldiers, I have been asked by Durham University for thoughts on “next steps”. I would like to gauge the strength of feeling for proposed repatriation to Scotland and in turn to provide this proposal to the University as a possible next step.

If you would agree with this proposal, please sign this petition. Many thanks.

George Wilson

Dunbar Martyrs Campaign