Battlefields›Eric Bloodaxe Second Expulsion and Stainmore Death 954
Early Medieval

Eric Bloodaxe Second Expulsion and Stainmore Death 954

954
County Durham, England
Also known as: Death of Eric Bloodaxe at Stainmore 954
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
County Durham, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Eric Bloodaxe
Forces
Eric Bloodaxe c.200–400; ambush/skirmish.
VS
Victor
Oswulf of Bamburgh
Forces
Oswulf/Northumbrians c.300–600
Outcome
Eric Bloodaxe killed at Stainmore; Norse kingship of York ended permanently; Northumbria absorbed into the English kingdom under Earl Oswulf
The Battle

History & Significance

Eric Bloodaxe was expelled from York for the second time in 954 and was ambushed and killed at Stainmore in Westmorland, traditionally by Maccus son of Olaf acting for Oswulf of Bamburgh and Eadred. The Stainmore pass through the Pennines was the natural route for a Norse king fleeing north. The ambush ended Norse kingship at York permanently. Eadred immediately absorbed Northumbria into the English kingdom.

Casualties & Losses

Eric Bloodaxe killed; his followers dispersed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Eric Bloodaxe Second Expulsion and Stainmore Death 954

Maiden Castle near Brough
Scheduled monument · ~1.4 miles
Rey Cross Roman temporary camp and signal station, and prehistoric stone circle
Scheduled monument · ~1.9 miles
Romano-British settlement 740m WNW of Old Spital
Scheduled monument · ~2 miles
Unenclosed hut circle settlement, two round cairns, medieval transhumance settlement and two pillow mounds, 360m south east of Rey Cross Roman camp
Scheduled monument · ~2.1 miles
Rey Cross, 670m west of Old Spital
Scheduled monument · ~2.1 miles
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Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
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