BattlefieldsBattle of Sherston (1016)
Early Medieval

Battle of Sherston (1016)

1016
Wiltshire, England
Also known as: First Battle of Sherston
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Neither decisively
Forces
Cnut/Danes: c.3,000–5,000. Two-day inconclusive pitched battle.
VS
Victor
Indecisive (Danes held field)
Forces
Edmund Ironside: c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Two-day battle; both sides withdrew; Edmund survived
The Battle

History & Significance

Edmund Ironside fought Cnut's army at Sherston in Wiltshire over two days in June 1016. The battle was inconclusive — a rare example of a multi-day engagement in this period. Edmund's ability to face Cnut repeatedly in the field despite the collapse of much of England around him demonstrated extraordinary personal energy and military capacity. Sherston showed the conquest would not be quick.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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