BattlefieldsViking Raid on Anglesey
Early Medieval

Viking Raid on Anglesey

854
Anglesey, Wales
Also known as: Norse Raid Mona 853 AD
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Anglesey, Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Gwynedd
Forces
Anglesey c. 500-1,000.
VS
Victor
Norse / Vikings
Forces
Norse/Viking fleet c. 20-30 ships (c. 1,000-1,500 men)
Outcome
Viking plunder of Anglesey; island ravaged
The Battle

History & Significance

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records a major Viking raid on Anglesey in 854 AD. Anglesey's fertile farmland and monastic wealth made it a prime Viking target. The raid preceded Rhodri Mawr's famous victory over the Danes two years later. The Norse called Anglesey "Puffin Island" and established seasonal bases around the Welsh coast. This was part of the first wave of sustained Viking raiding on Wales.

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