The size of Bourne Hill itself would make it an unlikely site of such a large battle but it would provide a central meeting place for the danes, scots and welsh.  They would have most definitely gathered near a tidal river to provide easy access to their fleet of ships and in an area just north of the then border.  The River Wyre with its now lost harbour, the area being named Bergerode on earlier maps, would be a good candidate.  The existence of the earlier Roman road known locally as the 'Danes Pad' would also suggest this was an area already known to be used.

The most widely accepted location for the Battle of Brunanburh is now Bromborough in Merseyside although it cannot be definately proved.    Perhaps Bruna's Fort, Vin-heath and Dingesmere are indeed lost place names from around Thornton.  One day legend might be proved right and Thornton may indeed have been the location of one of the most significant battles ever fought.