BattlefieldsBattle of Assandun (Ashingdon)
Early Medieval

Battle of Assandun (Ashingdon)

1016
Essex, England
Also known as: Battle of Ashingdon · Battle of Assandun
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Essex, England
Status
Registered · ENG 48
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Edmund Ironside of England
Forces
Edmund Ironside for control of England
VS
Victor
Cnut of Denmark
Forces
c.10,000-15,000 each side; Cnut
Outcome
Decisive Danish victory; most of English nobility killed; Treaty of Alney divided England
The Battle

History & Significance

The decisive battle of Cnut's conquest, fought on 18 October 1016 at Assandun (possibly Ashingdon in Essex). Eadric Streona, ealdorman of Mercia and a notorious turncoat, deserted Edmund mid-battle with his Magonsaetan forces. The resulting rout killed most of the remaining English nobility — Ulfcytel Snillingr, Aethelweard son of Aethelwine, and many others. The Treaty of Alney that followed divided England between Edmund (Wessex) and Cnut. Edmund's death weeks later gave Cnut all of England.

Casualties & Losses

Most of the English nobility killed; Ulfcytel Snillingr killed

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: ENG 48.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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