BattlefieldsBattle of Holme (902) — Northampton phase
Early Medieval

Battle of Holme (902) — Northampton phase

902
Northamptonshire, England
Also known as: Northampton harried 902
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Northamptonshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English of Mercia
Forces
Mercian English c.2,000–3,500.
VS
Victor
Aethelwold / East Anglian Danes
Forces
Aethelwold and Danes c.1,500–3,000
Outcome
Danes harried as far as Cricklade before withdrawal
The Battle

History & Significance

Before the main Battle of the Holme, Aethelwold and his East Anglian Danish allies harried through Mercia as far south as Cricklade on the Thames. This deep raid into Mercian territory — the same area Edward the Elder had been reconquering — demonstrated the continuing military capacity of the East Anglian Danes even as Edward was systematically tightening English control. The raid provoked the engagement that killed Aethelwold.

Questions & Answers

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