BattlefieldsBattle of Pen (Penselwood) — 1016 phase
Early Medieval

Battle of Pen (Penselwood) — 1016 phase

1016
Somerset, England
Also known as: Edmund Ironside at Pen
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Cnut's foragers
Forces
Cnut foragers: c.500–1,000. Skirmish.
VS
Victor
Edmund Ironside
Forces
Edmund Ironside fyrd: c.2,000–3,500
Outcome
Edmund gathered forces in Somerset; small engagements in Selwood area
The Battle

History & Significance

After Cnut's forces ravaged Mercia and Aethelred died in London, Edmund Ironside raised the fyrd three times in rapid succession. The Selwood area of Somerset — Alfred's old refuge — was again a mustering point for West Saxon resistance. Edmund's whirlwind campaigning in early 1016 brought the kingdom to a temporary military equilibrium before the decisive engagement at Assandun.

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