Battlefields›Battle of Cynwit - Ubbe Defeated and Raven Banner Taken 878
Early Medieval

Battle of Cynwit - Ubbe Defeated and Raven Banner Taken 878

878
Devon, England
Also known as: Battle of Countisbury Hill 878
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish raiders under Ubbe
Forces
Ubbe's Danish c.1000–1500 from 23 ships
VS
Victor
West Saxons
Forces
West Saxons (Odda) c.1500–2500
Outcome
Major English victory; Ubbe killed; Raven Banner captured; Danish fleet of 23 ships neutralised
The Battle

History & Significance

While Alfred sheltered at Athelney, Ubbe Ragnarsson landed in Devon with 23 ships. Ealdorman Odda of Devon and his household troops were besieged on Countisbury Hill (Cynwit). Facing starvation, Odda led a dawn sortie that caught the Danes off-guard. Ubbe was killed, over 800 Danes fell, and the sacred Raven Banner of the sons of Ragnar was captured - a crucial reversal of fortune occurring simultaneously with Alfred reorganising resistance.

Casualties & Losses

Ubbe Ragnarsson killed; reportedly over 800 Danes slain; Raven Banner captured

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Battle of Cynwit - Ubbe Defeated and Raven Banner Taken 878

Round barrow cemetery 450m south west of Tossell's Barton
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
Camp S of Birch Ham Wood
Scheduled monument · ~0.9 miles
Camp on Mockham Down
Scheduled monument · ~1 miles
Camp in Smay's Wood
Scheduled monument · ~2 miles
Round barrow cemetery 500m east of Little Bray Cross
Scheduled monument · ~2 miles
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