BattlefieldsViking Raid on Whitby (867-870 AD)
Early Medieval

Viking Raid on Whitby (867-870 AD)

867–870
North Riding, England
Also known as: Sack of Whitby Abbey · Danes attack Whitby
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
North Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Whitby monastery
Forces
Whitby: c.50–150 monks/defenders.
VS
Victor
Danish Vikings
Forces
Danish Vikings: c.500–1,500
Outcome
Whitby Abbey sacked; monks killed or fled; monastery abandoned for centuries
The Battle

History & Significance

The Great Heathen Army's control of Yorkshire meant the monasteries of the North Riding faced destruction. Whitby Abbey, founded by St Hilda in 657 and site of the famous Synod of 664, was sacked in the period of Viking conquest. The monastery was abandoned and not refounded until the Norman Conquest. The Viking sack removed one of the greatest centres of Northumbrian learning.

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