BattlefieldsDanish Attack on Exeter Repelled by Alfred 893
Early Medieval

Danish Attack on Exeter Repelled by Alfred 893

893
Devon, England
Also known as: Exeter Siege Repelled 893
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish besiegers
Forces
c.800–1,200 Exeter garrison; siege repelled.
VS
Victor
Alfred
Forces
c.1,500–2,500 Danish besiegers
Outcome
Exeter garrison held; Danish siege lifted when Alfred approached; Danish besiegers retreated to sea; north Devon coastal raid also repulsed
The Battle

History & Significance

A separate Danish force marched across England to besiege Exeter while Haesten operated in the Thames valley. Alfred divided his forces and marched west to relieve Exeter. The Exeter garrison, protected by Roman walls Alfred had repaired, held firm. When Alfred approached, the Danish besieging force retreated to their ships. The episode illustrates the coordinated multi-front nature of the 892-896 Danish campaign.

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