BattlefieldsSiege of Buttington (893)
Early Medieval

Siege of Buttington (893)

893
Powys, Wales
Also known as: Battle of Buttington
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Powys, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Haesten's Danish army
VS
Victor
English (Mercians, West Saxons, Welsh)
Outcome
Danes besieged; attempted breakout defeated with great slaughter
The Battle

History & Significance

A Danish force marching through Wales was intercepted by a coalition of Mercian, West Saxon, and Welsh forces at Buttington on the Severn. The Danes fortified a position but were besieged. After many weeks, starvation forced them to attempt a breakout across the river; those who crossed were defeated and the survivors fled east. This coalition victory across multiple kingdoms demonstrated the effectiveness of Alfred's diplomatic system.

Forces Involved

Allied forces: c. 3,000–4,000 (Mercians, West Saxons, Welsh). Danes: c. 2,000–3,000.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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