BattlefieldsDanish Army Breaks Up at Bridgnorth 896
Early Medieval

Danish Army Breaks Up at Bridgnorth 896

896
Shropshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Shropshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish invaders
VS
Victor
Alfred
Outcome
Danish army disbanded; warriors dispersed to Normandy, East Anglian Danelaw, or submitted to English rule; end of major invasion threat to Wessex under Alfred
The Battle

History & Significance

After wintering at Bridgnorth on the Severn in 895-896, the Danish army that had campaigned since 892 finally dissolved. Some Danes sailed to the Seine, others returned to East Anglia and Northumbria, and some bought themselves land. The Chronicle records those who had no money submitted to the English kingdoms. This was the effective end of the great invasions of Alfred's reign. Alfred died in 899 having successfully defended Wessex throughout.

Forces Involved

Alfred: c. 2,000–2,500. Danish army: c. 1,000–1,500.

Questions & Answers

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