BattlefieldsWinchester Sacked by Viking Raiders 860
Early Medieval

Winchester Sacked by Viking Raiders 860

860
Hampshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish raiders
Forces
Danish raiders: c.2,000–4,000.
VS
Victor
English (counterattack)
Forces
English counterattack: c.1,000–2,000
Outcome
Winchester sacked but English counterattack recovered plunder; Danes defeated on withdrawal by Hampshire and Berkshire forces
The Battle

History & Significance

A Danish fleet from Frankia crossed the Channel and sacked Winchester, the West Saxon royal capital. Ealdormen Osric of Hampshire and Aethelwulf of Berkshire rallied forces and met the Danes as they withdrew with plunder. The English won a significant victory and most of the plunder was recovered. The episode shows West Saxon ability to respond effectively even when an initial attack succeeded.

Questions & Answers

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