During the final phase of the 893–894 campaign, the remnants of Haesten's army based themselves on the Essex coast, using Mersea Island as a refuge. The Chronicle records that they gathered provisions there before their final campaign. The ability of Viking forces to use coastal islands as secure bases — Thanet, Sheppey, Mersea, and later Olney — was a persistent tactical advantage that English forces could not easily counter without a strong fleet.
Vikings: c. 300–600 raiders. Essex English: c. 500–1,000.
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