BattlefieldsBattle of Ringmere (1004)
Early Medieval

Battle of Ringmere (1004)

1004
Norfolk, England
Also known as: Thetford campaign 1004 · Sweyn's East Anglian raid
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Norfolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Ulfcytel Snillingr (East Anglia)
Forces
Ulfcytel Snillingr: c.1,500–3,000.
VS
Victor
Sweyn Forkbeard
Forces
Sweyn Forkbeard: c.2,000–3,000
Outcome
Ulfcytel failed to destroy Danish ships as planned; battle fought
The Battle

History & Significance

During Sweyn's 1004 raid on East Anglia, Ulfcytel had arranged to have the Danish ships destroyed — a clever strategic plan — but the men assigned to the task failed to carry it out. When Ulfcytel then met Sweyn in battle, the Danes admitted that they had never met harder hand-to-hand fighting in England. Despite the tactical defeat, Ulfcytel's ferocity earned him lasting Viking respect.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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