BattlefieldsCnut Besieges London 1016
Early Medieval

Cnut Besieges London 1016

1016
Greater London, England
Also known as: Second Siege of London 1016
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Greater London, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Cnut (failed to take by siege)
Forces
London garrison: c.1,500–2,500. Major siege with fleet operations.
VS
Victor
London garrison (held until Edmund died)
Forces
Cnut: c.5,000–8,000
Outcome
London besieged but held throughout the campaign; surrendered only after Edmund Ironside's death; Cnut had to win in the field rather than by siege to secure England
The Battle

History & Significance

Cnut besieged London in 1016, digging a great ditch around the city and dragging his fleet around the London Bridge obstruction via a canal on the Southwark side. London held firm throughout the year. The siege was intermittent with Cnut lifting it to fight Edmund in the field at Brentford, Otford, and Assandun. After Assandun and the partition treaty at Alney Island, Edmund died in November 1016 and London surrendered to Cnut.

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