Lanark is a historic town located in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, on the River Clyde.
It originally belonged to Sir Galleron of Galway, but Arthur annexed it and gave it to Gawain. Galleron arrived at a feast and challenged Gawain for ownership of the land. The fight ended in a draw, but Gawain graciously returned the country to Galleron anyway.
Lanark | 0 to the 9th century AD
The history of Lanark, like many ancient towns, is not extensively documented for the period. Here are general information about the region.
Roman influence
During the Roman occupation of Britain, which began in the first century AD and lasted until the early fifth century, Lanark and its surrounding area would have been part of the Roman province of Britannia. While there may not be specific records about Lanark from this period, the Romans established roads and settlements in varous parts of Britain, and Lanark may have been influenced by Roman presence and administration.
Early Celtic and Pictish Inhabitants
Prior to and during the Roman period, the region that would later become Lanark may have been inhabited by Celtic and Pictish tribes.
Early Christianity
The spread of Christianity in Britain began during the Roman period and continued into the early medieval period. By the sixth and seventh centuries, Christian missions from Ireland and elsewhere were active in converting the local population to Christianity. It is likely that Lanark and its surrounding areas saw the influence of early Christian missionaries and the establishment of Christian communities.
Anglo-Saxon and Viking Periods
During the early medieval period, Britain saw the influx of Anglo-Saxon settlers and Viking raids. While Lanark itself may not have been a major focus during this time, the broader region of what is now Scotland experienced changes in political and cultural dynamics due to these migrations and invasions.
Kingdom of Strathclyde
Lanark and its surroundings were historically part of the Kingdom of Strathclyde, a Brittonic kingdom in the early medieval period. Strathclyde played a significant role in the region’s political and cultural development.
Source
The Awntyrs off Arthure at the Terne Wathelyn | Late 14th century