BattlefieldsBattle of Trent 679
Early Medieval

Battle of Trent 679

679
Nottinghamshire, England
Also known as: Battle of the River Trent 679 AD
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Nottinghamshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbria (Ecgfrith)
Forces
c. 2,500–4,500 Northumbria
VS
Victor
Mercia (Aethelred of Mercia)
Forces
c. 3,000–5,000 Mercia
Outcome
Mercian victory; Northumbrian expansion south halted; Aelfwine killed
The Battle

History & Significance

King Ecgfrith of Northumbria — who would meet his end at the Battle of Dunnichen (Nechtansmere) six years later — was defeated on the Trent by the Mercian king Aethelred. Ecgfrith's brother Aelfwine was killed — one of the first named royal casualties in an inter-English-kingdom battle. Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury successfully negotiated peace, marking the growing role of the Church in English politics. Mercia's hold on the Midlands was confirmed.

Casualties & Losses

Aelfwine of Northumbria killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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