Battlefields›Danish Conquest of Mercia 874
Early Medieval

Danish Conquest of Mercia 874

874
Derbyshire, England
Also known as: Halfdan expels Burgred 874 · Fall of Mercian kingdom
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Derbyshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Mercia (Burgred)
Forces
Mercian kingdom
VS
Victor
Danes (Halfdan)
Forces
Danish Great Army
Outcome
Burgred expelled to Rome; Ceolwulf II installed as Danish puppet; independent Mercia ended
The Battle

History & Significance

The Great Heathen Army overwintered at Repton in 873-874 and expelled Burgred of Mercia to Rome, making him the first English king to lose his throne to the Danes. They installed Ceolwulf II as a compliant sub-king. Independent Mercia was finished; Halfdan then went north while Guthrum headed south against Wessex.

Casualties & Losses

Burgred expelled; Danish garrison established at Repton

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Danish Conquest of Mercia 874

The de Birmingham moated site, the seat of the medieval Lords of Birmingham
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 miles
Remains of the Boulton and Watt Soho foundry and mint, Birmingham Canal, Smethwick
Scheduled monument · ~2.5 miles
Roman forts at Metchley
Scheduled monument · ~2.6 miles
Smethwick Engine House
Scheduled monument · ~2.9 miles
Engine Arm Aqueduct, Warley
Scheduled monument · ~3.1 miles
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