BattlefieldsDanish Raid on Winchester Area 1006
Early Medieval

Danish Raid on Winchester Area 1006

1006
Hampshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Winchester area
Forces
Winchester area: c.1,000–2,000.
VS
Victor
Danish raiders
Forces
Thorkell the Tall: c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Winchester area ravaged; Danish army demonstrated before the gates of Winchester without challenge; 36,000 pound Danegeld paid after this campaign
The Battle

History & Significance

A large Danish army under Thorkell the Tall marched from the Thames through Hampshire and deliberately passed within sight of Winchester to demonstrate English impotence. The Chronicle records with bitter irony that the raiding army went home past the gates of Winchester with plunder and the citizens could see it but do nothing. The Winchester area was raided extensively. The provocation contributed to Aethelred's political crisis.

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