BattlefieldsBattle of Acleah (Ockley)
Early Medieval

Battle of Acleah (Ockley)

851
Surrey, England
Also known as: Battle of Oakley · Battle of Aclea
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Surrey, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Vikings
Forces
Viking army c. 3,000-4,500.
VS
Victor
Aethelwulf of Wessex
Forces
Aethelwulf's Wessex army c. 3,000-5,000
Outcome
Great Viking slaughter; described as the greatest heathen slaughter
The Battle

History & Significance

After sacking London and Canterbury, the Viking army moved into Surrey where Aethelwulf of Wessex met them at Acleah (probably Ockley in Surrey). The Chronicle records this as "the greatest slaughter of a heathen host" ever made. It was the most decisive English victory of the early Viking Age and gave Wessex enormous prestige, demonstrating that the Vikings could be defeated in pitched battle.

Casualties & Losses

Very heavy Viking losses, described as the greatest English victory over Danes to date

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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