BattlefieldsBattle of Exeter (877)
Early Medieval

Battle of Exeter (877)

877
Devon, England
Also known as: Siege of Exeter 877 · Danish seizure of Exeter
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Neither decisively
Forces
Alfred's besiegers c. 2,000–3,500.
VS
Victor
Alfred (negotiated withdrawal)
Forces
Danish army c. 2,500–4,000
Outcome
Danish army gave hostages and left Exeter; Roman walls held
The Battle

History & Significance

After the Wareham episode, the Danish army moved to Exeter. Alfred besieged them. A Danish relief fleet of 120 ships heading for Exeter was wrecked in a storm off Swanage (separate from the 876 storm). Unable to receive reinforcements, the Danes gave hostages and evacuated Mercia for the winter. Alfred's strategy of using Roman-walled towns as blocking positions was proving effective, even if it could not destroy Danish armies.

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