BattlefieldsAethelbald Invades Northumbria 740
Early Medieval

Aethelbald Invades Northumbria 740

740
Yorkshire, England
Also known as: Mercian raids on Northumbria 740
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbria (Eadberht)
Forces
absent Northumbrian defences
VS
Victor
Mercia (Aethelbald)
Forces
Mercian raiding force
Outcome
Northumbrian territory burned; Eadberht unable to respond effectively
The Battle

History & Significance

Aethelbald raided and burned in Northumbrian territory while Eadberht was engaged in war with the Picts. This demonstrated Mercian willingness to exploit Northumbrian weakness and the kingdom inability to defend both its northern and southern frontiers simultaneously. It was part of Mercia systematic dominance of the north.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Yorkshire

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Yorkshire