BattlefieldsBattle of Otford (1016)
Early Medieval

Battle of Otford (1016)

1016
Kent, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Cnut of Denmark
Forces
Cnut: c.3,000–5,000. Kent victory with pursuit.
VS
Victor
Edmund Ironside
Forces
Edmund Ironside: c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
English victory; Danes retreated into Sheppey
The Battle

History & Significance

Edmund Ironside won a notable victory at Otford in Kent, driving the Danish army back and pursuing them into the Isle of Sheppey. This was one of several English victories in the extraordinary 1016 campaign. Edmund fought five major battles in one year — an almost superhuman military effort — but each victory was incomplete, failing to destroy Cnut's army. The inability to achieve a decisive knockout blow ultimately doomed the English cause.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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