diff --git a/gramps/plugins/importer/importxml.py b/gramps/plugins/importer/importxml.py
index c52c988b6..bfd000efa 100644
--- a/gramps/plugins/importer/importxml.py
+++ b/gramps/plugins/importer/importxml.py
@@ -2515,8 +2515,10 @@ class GrampsParser(UpdateCallback):
             date_value = self.name.get_date_object()
         elif self.event:
             date_value = self.event.get_date_object()
-        else:
+        elif self.placeref:
             date_value = self.placeref.get_date_object()
+        else:
+            date_value = self.place_name.get_date_object()
 
         date_value.set_as_text(attrs['val'])