Battlefields›Eric Bloodaxe First Reign at York (947-948 AD)
Early Medieval

Eric Bloodaxe First Reign at York (947-948 AD)

947–948
West Riding, England
Also known as: Eric Haraldsson at York · Norwegian king of Jorvik
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English
Forces
English: c. 1,000–2,000. York occupation.
VS
Victor
Eric Bloodaxe (initially)
Forces
Eric: c. 1,500–2,500
Outcome
Eric held York briefly; expelled by Eadred; returned 952
The Battle

History & Significance

Eric Haraldsson, called Bloodaxe, former king of Norway, accepted the kingdom of Jorvik from the Northumbrian nobility in 947. Eadred of England invaded Yorkshire and burned Ripon Minster in retaliation; Eric was expelled. He returned in 952, was again expelled, and returned once more in 954. His turbulent reigns represent the last chapter of the Viking kingdom of Jorvik.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Eric Bloodaxe First Reign at York (947-948 AD)

Merchant's Hall, Fossgate
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
South angle tower of Roman fortress
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Medieval stone town house known as The Norman House to the rear of Nos 48 and 50 Stonegate
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
St George's medieval chapel 120m south of York Castle
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
York Castle: motte and bailey castle, tower keep castle (including Clifford's Tower), and site of part of Romano-British fort-vicus and Anglian cemetery
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
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Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
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