BattlefieldsDanes Seize Exeter 877
Early Medieval

Danes Seize Exeter 877

877
Devon, England
Also known as: Guthrum at Exeter 877 · Danish occupation of Exeter
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wessex
Forces
West Saxon blockading force
VS
Victor
Danes initially then Wessex (Alfred)
Forces
Danish army in Exeter
Outcome
Guthrum eventually withdrew from Exeter after failed reinforcement; Danes divided Mercia and occupied it
The Battle

History & Significance

After escaping Wareham, Guthrum seized Exeter. Alfred blockaded him there also. The Danish relief fleet of 120 ships was wrecked in a storm near Swanage. Guthrum was forced to withdraw into Mercia, where the Danish army divided Mercian land among themselves. Wessex had survived, barely, through Alfred blockade strategy.

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