Drest VII facts for kids

Drest was a king of the Picts from 724 to 726. He became king after Nechtan mac Der-Ilei gave up his throne and went to live in a monastery in 724.

Drest: A King of the Picts

Ancient records like the Annals of Ulster and the Annals of Tigernach do not mention who Drest's father was. Early lists of Pictish kings simply say "Drest and Elpin" were kings after Nechtan. However, a later version of these lists, which includes Nechtan's second time as king, suggests Drest's father might have been someone named Talorgan. This later list also includes other unknown names, so it's not always fully trusted by historians.

How Drest Became King

Since Nechtan gave up his throne for Drest, it's likely they were related. Some of Nechtan's sons had died, so Drest might have been Nechtan's closest male relative. He could have been a nephew, a son-in-law, or a cousin. It's also possible Drest was the son of Talorg, who was related to Nechtan and had been put in prison in 713.

The Fight for the Throne

No matter how he was related to Nechtan, Drest's time as king was quickly challenged. In 725, Drest's son, Simul, was put in prison. We don't know who did this. In 726, Drest himself put Nechtan in prison. Soon after, Alpín, who is also called Elpin in the king lists, took Drest's throne.

Drest's Final Battle

By 728, it seems Drest, Nechtan, Alpín, and Óengus mac Fergusa were all fighting a war to become the king of the Picts. Drest died in a battle against Óengus in 729. This battle happened at a place called Dromo Dergg Blathuug, which might be near Blairgowrie today.

Historians wonder if this Drest was related to another king named Talorgan, who was the king of Atholl and died by drowning in 739. However, Drest and Talorgan were common names among the Picts. Because of this, it's hard to be sure about any family connections based only on their names.