BattlefieldsDanish Army Ravages Mercia from York 873
Early Medieval

Danish Army Ravages Mercia from York 873

873
Nottinghamshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Nottinghamshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Mercia
Forces
dispersed Mercian militia.
VS
Victor
Great Heathen Army
Forces
c. 3,000–4,000 Great Heathen Army raiding force
Outcome
Mercia ravaged along the Trent valley; Mercian military resistance collapsed; Burgred isolated; Repton established as winter base
The Battle

History & Significance

In 873, the Great Army moved from its Torksey base and struck into Mercia, establishing winter quarters at Repton. En route the Danes ravaged across Lincolnshire and Derbyshire. King Burgred was unable to mount effective resistance. The 873 campaign effectively completed the Danish conquest of Mercia, formalised when Burgred fled to Rome in 874.

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