BattlefieldsAelle Lands at Cymenesore 477
Early Medieval

Aelle Lands at Cymenesore 477

477
England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
British defenders of the Sussex coast
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
South Saxon war-band under Aelle
Outcome
South Saxons land and defeat British resistance; Weald becomes British refuge
The Battle

History & Significance

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records Aelle and his sons landing at Cymenesora, traditionally identified near the Owers Bank off Selsey Bill, fighting the British and driving them into the Weald. This marks the founding event of the South Saxon kingdom. Aelle was later described by Bede as the first Bretwalda.

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