BattlefieldsBattle of Aclea 851 - Main English Victory
Early Medieval

Battle of Aclea 851 - Main English Victory

851
Surrey, England
Also known as: Battle of Acleah 851 · Battle of Ockley 851
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Surrey, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish raiders
Forces
Danish raiders c. 3,000-4,500.
VS
Victor
West Saxons
Forces
West Saxon army c. 3,000-5,000
Outcome
Decisive English victory; largest recorded English defeat of Vikings to this date; great slaughter of Danish army
The Battle

History & Significance

King Aethelwulf of Wessex and his son Aethelbald won the greatest English victory over the Danes yet recorded. The Chronicle states the English made the greatest slaughter of a heathen raiding-army we have heard tell of to this present day. The victory came after the same season had seen the Danes sack Canterbury and London, demonstrating English capacity for decisive counterattack. Some 350 Danish ships had been involved in the wider campaign.

Casualties & Losses

Great slaughter of Danish army; one of the highest recorded Viking losses of the period

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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