BattlefieldsThames Raid and Kentish Resistance 855
Early Medieval

Thames Raid and Kentish Resistance 855

855
Kent, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Kentish forces
Forces
Kentish forces c. 1,500-2,500.
VS
Victor
Danish raiders
Forces
Norse raiders c. 2,000-3,000
Outcome
Danes successfully overwintered on Sheppey; raids along Thames and Medway; Kentish resistance unable to expel the encampment
The Battle

History & Significance

Norse forces wintered on Sheppey in 855, and in the same year raided up the Thames. Kentish ealdormen organised resistance along the Swale and Medway but were unable to dislodge the entrenched Danes. King Aethelwulf was on pilgrimage to Rome, leaving Wessex under Aethelbald and reducing coordinated response.

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