BattlefieldsBattle of Penselwood (658) — alternate identification
Early Medieval

Battle of Penselwood (658) — alternate identification

658
Somerset, England
Also known as: Second Battle of Penselwood
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Britons
Forces
c. 1,000–2,500 Britons
VS
Victor
Cenwalh of Wessex
Forces
c. 1,500–3,000 Wessex
Outcome
West Saxons advanced to the Parrett
The Battle

History & Significance

Penselwood on the Somerset-Dorset-Wiltshire border was a strategically critical area where the ancient forest of Selwood met the downland. Multiple battles were fought in this area as Wessex pushed its frontier westward. The area later marked the boundary between Alfred's Wessex and Mercia, and Selwood Forest was the refuge Alfred used in 878 before his counter-attack.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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