BattlefieldsSwein Forkbeard Tribute Exaction 994
Early Medieval

Swein Forkbeard Tribute Exaction 994

994
Middlesex, England
Also known as: Danegeld of 16000 pounds 994 · London siege and tribute 994
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Middlesex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
England / Aethelred II
VS
Victor
Swein Forkbeard and Olaf Tryggvason
Outcome
London successfully defended but Danes extracted 16,000 pounds of silver and winter quarters
The Battle

History & Significance

The 994 siege of London by Swein and Olaf established the tribute-extraction model — paying enormous Danegeld — that would bleed England of silver and political will for the next two decades.

Forces Involved

Swein/Olaf fleet: c. 3,000–5,000. English forces: c. 1,000–2,500.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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