Battlefields›Viking attack on Winchester
Early Medieval

Viking attack on Winchester

860
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Danish raid on Wintanceastre
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Winchester garrison
Forces
Winchester garrison: c.300–600.
VS
Victor
Danish Vikings
Forces
Danish Vikings: c.2,000–5,000
Outcome
Winchester sacked by large Danish fleet; later recaptured by ealdormen of Hampshire and Berkshire
The Battle

History & Significance

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that a great Danish fleet sacked Winchester in 860. However, ealdormen Osric of Hampshire and Aethelwulf of Berkshire caught the Danes returning to their ships and defeated them, recovering much of the plunder. This raid demonstrated both the vulnerability of Wessex's capital and the resilience of local Saxon leadership.

Casualties & Losses

Danish force defeated in retreat

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Viking attack on Winchester

Winchester city wall and associated monuments
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
City Bridge at the junction of High Street and Bridge Street
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Wolvesey Palace
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
Winchester Cathedral Close
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
City Cross or 'Butter Cross'
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
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