BattlefieldsBattle of Chichester 895
Early Medieval

Battle of Chichester 895

895
West Sussex, England
Also known as: Danish Raid on Chichester 895 · Sussex Defenders at Chichester
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
West Sussex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danes
Forces
Danish raiding force
VS
Victor
Sussex defenders
Forces
Chichester burh garrison
Outcome
Danish raiders repelled from Chichester with heavy losses
The Battle

History & Significance

The Chronicle records that a Danish army landed and attacked Chichester but the townsmen drove them off and killed many hundreds, capturing some of their ships. This engagement showed how the burh system was working: the fortified town of Chichester could repel Viking raids that would previously have devastated undefended settlements. The victory at Chichester was one of a series of successful local defences in the mid-890s that demonstrated the effectiveness of Alfred strategy.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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