BattlefieldsEric Bloodaxe First Occupation of York 947
Early Medieval

Eric Bloodaxe First Occupation of York 947

947
North Yorkshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English overlordship
Forces
English overlordship: c. 1,000–2,000. Northumbrian.
VS
Victor
Eric Bloodaxe
Forces
Eric: c. 1,500–2,500
Outcome
Eric Bloodaxe established at York as Norse king; Northumbria temporarily broke from English overlordship; Eadred forced to campaign north to reassert authority
The Battle

History & Significance

Eric Bloodaxe, expelled king of Norway, arrived in Northumbria in 947 and was accepted as king by the Northumbrians who preferred Norse rule to southern English lordship. King Eadred of England was furious and ravaged Northumbria in 948, burning Ripon Minster. The Northumbrians apologised and returned to Eadred's allegiance, but accepted Eric again in 952. The oscillation of Northumbrian loyalty between Norse kings and English kings reflects the complex politics of the north.

Questions & Answers

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