BattlefieldsCeolwulf II of Mercia Cedes Eastern Mercia to Danes 877
Early Medieval

Ceolwulf II of Mercia Cedes Eastern Mercia to Danes 877

877
North Northamptonshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
North Northamptonshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Ceolwulf II of Mercia
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Danes
Outcome
Eastern Mercia partitioned for Danish settlement; five Boroughs zone created
The Battle

History & Significance

Ceolwulf II was forced by the Danes to cede the eastern half of Mercia for Danish settlement in 877. This partition created the five Boroughs zone of Danish Mercia and reduced Ceolwulf to ruling western Mercia only on Danish terms. Alfred's Chronicle dismisses Ceolwulf as a foolish king's thegn but he probably had little choice.

Questions & Answers

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