BattlefieldsViking Raid on London (842)
Early Medieval

Viking Raid on London (842)

842
Greater London, England
Also known as: Great Slaughter at London 842
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Greater London, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Londoners
Forces
c. 1,500–4,000 London/English defenders.
VS
Victor
Vikings
Forces
c. 1,000–3,000 Vikings
Outcome
London sacked; great slaughter recorded
The Battle

History & Significance

The Frankish and Anglo-Saxon sources record a major Viking attack on London in 842, described as a great slaughter. This attack — nine years before the larger 851 assault — shows that London was a prime Viking target from the earliest phase of large-scale raiding. The city's commercial wealth and position on the Thames made it irresistible to raiders operating from the Continent and Scandinavia.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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