BattlefieldsLondon Viking Siege 1009
Early Medieval

London Viking Siege 1009

1009
Greater London, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Greater London, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish besiegers
Forces
London garrison c.500–1,000.
VS
Victor
London garrison
Forces
Danish fleet (45 ships) c.3,000–4,500
Outcome
London successfully defended against Danish assault; Danish forces unable to breach the city walls; Danes moved on to plunder elsewhere
The Battle

History & Significance

Thorkell the Tall's fleet of 45 ships arrived in England in 1009 and in the following year Danish forces attempted to take London. The Chronicle records that God mercifully protected the city. London successfully resisted the assault. The Danes could not take the fortified city and eventually moved on to ravage elsewhere. London's repeated ability to resist Viking assault was a crucial factor in English survival during the Second Viking Age and Cnut's conquest.

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