BattlefieldsEast Anglian Army Destroyed at Hoxne 869
Early Medieval

East Anglian Army Destroyed at Hoxne 869

869
Suffolk, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Suffolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
East Anglia
Forces
East Anglian army c. 2,000–3,000.
VS
Victor
Great Heathen Army
Forces
Great Heathen Army c. 4,000–6,000
Outcome
East Anglian army annihilated; Kingdom of East Anglia destroyed; King Edmund captured and martyred; Danes occupied all East Anglia
The Battle

History & Significance

The Great Heathen Army returned to East Anglia in 869 and destroyed the East Anglian army at Hoxne. King Edmund was captured and when he refused to renounce Christianity or share his kingdom with a pagan king he was bound to a tree, shot with arrows, and beheaded. Edmund was rapidly venerated as a martyr and his cult became one of the most important in England. Bury St Edmunds is named for him.

Casualties & Losses

East Anglian army annihilated; King Edmund martyred

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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