BattlefieldsDanish Raids on Suffolk Coast (1003-1004 AD)
Early Medieval

Danish Raids on Suffolk Coast (1003-1004 AD)

1004
Suffolk, England
Also known as: Sweyn Forkbeard raids East Anglia 1004 · Sack of Norwich 1004
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Suffolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English (Norfolk / Suffolk)
Forces
English (Norfolk/Suffolk): c.1,000–2,500.
VS
Victor
Danes (Sweyn Forkbeard)
Forces
Danes (Sweyn): c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Norwich and Thetford burned; Ulfketel's East Anglian army ambushed
The Battle

History & Significance

Sweyn Forkbeard's 1004 campaign in East Anglia devastated Norfolk and Suffolk. He burned Norwich and Thetford. Ulfketel Snillingr of East Anglia attacked the Danes as they returned to their ships and came close to destroying the fleet — Sweyn himself reportedly acknowledged that the Danes had never faced harder fighting in England. Ulfketel became a celebrated resistance figure.

Casualties & Losses

Heavy Danish and English losses; near-destruction of Danish fleet averted

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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