BattlefieldsViking Fleet Threatens Southampton 994
Early Medieval

Viking Fleet Threatens Southampton 994

994
Hampshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Hampshire coastal settlements
VS
Victor
Danish fleet
Outcome
Southampton area threatened; Danegeld paid nationally; Olaf Tryggvason baptised at Andover; Danish fleet withdrew from southern England
The Battle

History & Significance

The 94-ship Danish fleet under Olaf Tryggvason and Sweyn Forkbeard that attacked London in 994 subsequently moved along the south coast, menacing Southampton and the Hampshire shore. King Aethelred negotiated with Olaf personally and Olaf was baptised at Andover in Hampshire with Aethelred as his sponsor. A national Danegeld of 16,000 pounds was paid. This is the same campaign that produced Olaf Tryggvason's conversion.

Forces Involved

Danish fleet (94 ships): c. 3,000–5,000. Hampshire coast: c. 300–800.

Questions & Answers

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