BattlefieldsAlfred Naval Victory at Mouth of the Stour 885
Early Medieval

Alfred Naval Victory at Mouth of the Stour 885

885
Essex, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Essex, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Mixed outcome
Forces
c.800–1,200 East Anglian Danes; mixed naval outcome.
VS
Victor
Mixed outcome
Forces
c.1,000–1,500 West Saxon fleet
Outcome
Initial West Saxon naval victory capturing 13 ships; subsequent East Anglian counter-attack defeated the returning fleet; mixed outcome
The Battle

History & Significance

In 885, Alfred sent a fleet to raid East Anglian Danish territory on the Stour estuary. The West Saxon fleet captured 13 Viking ships and killed all their crews. On the return voyage, however, the fleet was met by a large East Anglian Danish force and was defeated, losing many ships. The episode illustrated both Alfred's naval ambitions and the continuing strength of Danish East Anglia.

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