Battlefields›Viking raid and sack of London (851)
Early Medieval

Viking raid and sack of London (851)

851
Greater London, England
Also known as: London sacked 851 · Danes storm London 851
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Greater London, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
London / Mercians
Forces
c. 4,000–8,000 London/Mercian forces.
VS
Victor
Danish Vikings
Forces
c. 8,000–15,000 Danish raiders (350-ship fleet)
Outcome
London stormed and sacked; Mercian king Beorhtwulf defeated in the field
The Battle

History & Significance

During the great raid of 851, the same Danish fleet that sacked Canterbury went on to storm London and defeat the Mercian king Beorhtwulf in battle. The Vikings then crossed the Thames and were confronted at Ockley by Aethelwulf. This raid showed that no city in southern England was safe — though it also provoked the devastating response at Ockley.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Viking raid and sack of London (851)

The Chapter House and Pyx Chamber in the abbey cloisters, Westminster Abbey
Scheduled monument · ~1 miles
The Jewel Tower
Scheduled monument · ~1.1 miles
Baynard's Castle, 78m south-west of St Benet Metropolitan Welsh Church
Scheduled monument · ~1.2 miles
The Hope Playhouse, and the remains of three further bear gardens, Bankside
Scheduled monument · ~1.4 miles
Queenhithe dock
Scheduled monument · ~1.4 miles
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Jutish Revolt — Battle at Aegelesthrep (Aylesford approach)
455
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Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
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