BattlefieldsViking Raid on Southampton 840
Early Medieval

Viking Raid on Southampton 840

840
England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Viking raiding fleet
Forces
West Saxon forces under Ealdorman Wulfheard
VS
Victor
West Saxon forces under Ealdorman Wulfheard
Forces
Viking raiding fleet
Outcome
Vikings repelled from Southampton with heavy losses on both sides
The Battle

History & Significance

A Viking force attacked Southampton in 840 and were fought off by Ealdorman Wulfheard with great slaughter on both sides. The raid on one of Wessex's most important trading towns showed Viking ambitions along the southern coast. Wulfheard won but died the same year. The attack is part of the escalating Viking pressure on Wessex in the reign of Æthelwulf.

Questions & Answers

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