BattlefieldsDanish Fleet Raids Yorkshire Coast (1069-1070 AD)
Medieval

Danish Fleet Raids Yorkshire Coast (1069-1070 AD)

1069–1070
East Riding of Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Sweyn's fleet in the Humber · Danish attack on Yorkshire 1069
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
East Riding of Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Normans
Forces
Norman coastal forces c.2,000–3,000.
VS
Victor
Danes (initially)
Forces
Danish fleet c.30–50 ships with c.3,000–5,000 troops
Outcome
Danes aided Yorkshire revolt; withdrew after William paid Danegeld; Yorkshire left to Norman vengeance
The Battle

History & Significance

A Danish fleet under Sweyn II entered the Humber in support of the Yorkshire revolt. The Danes and rebels combined to capture York. However, William isolated the Danes on an island in the Humber through winter, and Sweyn eventually accepted payment to withdraw, abandoning his Yorkshire allies to the full force of Norman vengeance. The episode ended any prospect of Danish reconquest of the Danelaw.

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