BattlefieldsBattle of Otford and Danish Retreat 1016
Early Medieval

Battle of Otford and Danish Retreat 1016

1016
Kent, England
Also known as: Otford 1016
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Cnut
Forces
Cnut c. 3,000–6,000.
VS
Victor
Edmund Ironside
Forces
Edmund Ironside c. 4,000–7,000
Outcome
English victory at Otford; Danes driven to Isle of Sheppey; Eadric Streona discouraged decisive pursuit; Danes escaped by sea
The Battle

History & Significance

After Brentford, Edmund Ironside won another engagement at Otford in Kent, driving Danish forces across the Thames. The Danes retreated into the Isle of Sheppey. Eadric Streona famously persuaded Edmund not to press the pursuit, allegedly claiming Edmund was too tired - which later chroniclers interpret as treachery designed to prevent a decisive English victory. Otford was another demonstration of Edmund's personal military ability never quite translated into war-winning result.

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