The remnants of Haesten's army seized the abandoned Roman fort at Chester and tried to use it as a winter base. Aethelred of Mercia's forces denied them all supplies by destroying cattle and grain in the surrounding area — an early example of systematic scorched earth. Unable to feed themselves, the Danes withdrew into Wales and eventually disbanded. Alfred's strategic system had effectively neutralised one of the largest Viking invasions of his reign.
English: c. 2,000–3,000. Danish garrison: c. 1,000–1,500.
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