Battlefields›Winchester Viking Sack 860
Early Medieval

Winchester Viking Sack 860

860
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Norse sack of Winchester 860 · Danes raid Winchester 860
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Winchester
Forces
Winchester: c.300–500 defenders.
VS
Victor
Danish raiders
Forces
Danish raiders: c.1,000–2,000
Outcome
West Saxon capital sacked before defenders rallied
The Battle

History & Significance

The sacking of Winchester — the West Saxon royal capital — in 860 demonstrated the audacity of Viking inland raids and the inability of Aethelred I to protect even the heartland of his kingdom.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Winchester Viking Sack 860

Wolvesey Palace
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Winchester Cathedral Close
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Winchester city wall and associated monuments
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
City Bridge at the junction of High Street and Bridge Street
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
The Kings Gate
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
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Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
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