BattlefieldsViking raid on Isle of Wight
Early Medieval

Viking raid on Isle of Wight

865
Isle of Wight, England
Also known as: Danish raid Wiht 860s
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Isle of Wight, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Isle of Wight defenders
Forces
Isle of Wight: c.200–400 defenders.
VS
Victor
Danish Vikings
Forces
Danish Vikings: c.800–1,500
Outcome
Island raided; used as wintering base
The Battle

History & Significance

The Isle of Wight was a natural staging post for Viking raiders attacking the Hampshire coast and Solent area. Danish fleets repeatedly used it as a base for raids inland. Alfred later incorporated the island into his coastal defence network, with a burh at nearby Portchester and patrols in the Solent.

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