BattlefieldsJutish Landing and First Battle with Romano-British — Ebbsfleet
Early Medieval

Jutish Landing and First Battle with Romano-British — Ebbsfleet

449–455
Kent, England
Also known as: Hengist and Horsa landing Kent c.449 · Jutish arrival at Ypwinesfleot
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Pictish and Scottish raiders
Forces
c. 500–2,000 Pictish/Scottish raiders.
VS
Victor
Jutish foederati (Hengist and Horsa)
Forces
c. 300–800 Jutish foederati (three keels)
Outcome
Jutish mercenaries initially recruited by Vortigern; first settlement in Thanet
The Battle

History & Significance

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records the arrival of Hengist and Horsa at Ypwinesfleot (Ebbsfleet in Thanet) in three keels of warriors, summoned by Vortigern to fight the Picts. Their initial landing and mercenary service preceded the revolt that expelled the Romano-British from Kent. Ebbsfleet in Thanet is identified in later tradition as the landing site, though the historical accounts are legendary in character.

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