BattlefieldsOffa Fights Cynewulf of Wessex at Bensington 779
Early Medieval

Offa Fights Cynewulf of Wessex at Bensington 779

779
England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Cynewulf of Wessex
Forces
West Saxon forces under Cynewulf
VS
Victor
Offa of Mercia
Forces
Mercian forces under Offa
Outcome
Cynewulf defeated; Thames valley towns taken by Mercia; West Saxon power checked
The Battle

History & Significance

Offa's victory at Bensington over Cynewulf of Wessex was one of his most important military triumphs. Cynewulf had been an assertive West Saxon king but was decisively beaten and lost the Thames valley towns including Bensington and Eynsham. Offa was now unchallenged master of the midlands and southeast.

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