BattlefieldsBattle of Sandwich (851)
Early Medieval

Battle of Sandwich (851)

851
England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish Vikings
VS
Victor
Kentishmen
Outcome
Kentish victory
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Sandwich in 851 was the first known naval battle in English history. It was a Kentish victory against a Danish Viking fleet. In 851 King Æthelwulf of Wessex scored a major victory at the battle of Aclea over an army drawn from 350 Danish ships. He had appointed his eldest son Æthelstan under-king of Kent, and in the same year Æthelstan and his ealdorman Ealhhere defeated a Danish fleet off Sandwich in Kent.

Suspected site. The exact location is uncertain.
Casualties & Losses

Danish Vikings: Nine ships lost

Forces Involved

Danish Vikings: More than nine ships

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources