BattlefieldsViking Attack on Winchester Bishops Waltham 1001
Early Medieval

Viking Attack on Winchester Bishops Waltham 1001

1001
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Hampshire Raid and Winchester Area 1001
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Hampshire fyrd
Forces
Hampshire fyrd: c. 1,500–2,500.
VS
Victor
Danish raiders
Forces
Danish raiders: c. 3,000–5,000
Outcome
Hampshire ravaged extensively; bishops estate at Waltham plundered; English interception force defeated; Danish army withdrew with plunder
The Battle

History & Significance

In 1001 a large Danish army ravaged Hampshire systematically, striking inland from the coast. The Chronicle records fighting at Dean, Sherfield, and the bishop of Winchester being pursued. The Vikings moved to the bishop of Winchester's estate at Bishops Waltham and plundered it thoroughly. English forces under Hampshire ealdormen attempted to intercept but were defeated in a skirmish in which many English thegns were killed.

Casualties & Losses

Many English thegns killed in the Hampshire skirmish; bishop's estate at Waltham destroyed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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