Battlefields›Danish Seizure of York 866
Early Medieval

Danish Seizure of York 866

866
Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Fall of Eoforwic
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbria (Osberht)
Forces
divided Northumbrian kingdom
VS
Victor
Great Heathen Army (Ivar the Boneless and Halfdan)
Forces
Great Heathen Army
Outcome
York taken; Northumbrian kings Osberht and Aelle killed in counterattack
The Battle

History & Significance

The Danish seizure of York in 866 established the Viking kingdom of Jorvik that lasted nearly a century; the rival Northumbrian kings united too late and were both killed trying to retake the city.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Danish Seizure of York 866

South angle tower of Roman fortress
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Merchant's Hall, Fossgate
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Medieval stone town house known as The Norman House to the rear of Nos 48 and 50 Stonegate
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
St Peter's Hospital, part of undercroft beneath the Theatre Royal
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Jewbury Medieval Jewish Cemetery
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
More from this era

Other Early Medieval Battles

Battle of Crecganford
456
Kent, England
Battle of Aylesford
455
Kent, England
Jutish Revolt — Battle at Aegelesthrep (Aylesford approach)
455
Kent, England
Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
Yorkshire, England
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