Battlefields›Danes Establish Winter Camp at Minster Thanet 851
Early Medieval

Danes Establish Winter Camp at Minster Thanet 851

851
England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
unable-to-dislodge Kentish forces
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Large Danish fleet and army
Outcome
First Viking overwintering in England; Danish presence becomes permanent in Thanet
The Battle

History & Significance

In 850-851 the Danish army overwintered in England for the first time, establishing a camp on the Isle of Thanet off the Kent coast. This qualitative change from summer raiding to year-round occupation marked the beginning of a new and more dangerous phase of Viking activity. The Kentish kingdom was unable to dislodge them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Danes Establish Winter Camp at Minster Thanet 851

Salmestone Grange
Scheduled monument · ~0.5 miles
Dent-de-Lion medieval gatehouse
Scheduled monument · ~0.9 miles
Settlement one mile (1610m) E of village
Scheduled monument · ~1.8 miles
Quex Park settlements
Scheduled monument · ~1.8 miles
Anglo-Saxon cemetery, Dane Valley Road
Scheduled monument · ~1.8 miles
More from this era

Other Early Medieval Battles

Battle of Crecganford
456
Kent, England
Battle of Aylesford
455
Kent, England
Jutish Revolt — Battle at Aegelesthrep (Aylesford approach)
455
Kent, England
Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
Yorkshire, England
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