BattlefieldsBattle of Hingston Down
Early Medieval

Battle of Hingston Down

838
Cornwall, England
Also known as: Battle of Hengestdun
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Cornwall, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Vikings and Cornish alliance
VS
Victor
Ecgberht of Wessex
Outcome
Vikings and Cornish allies defeated; Cornish resistance broken
The Battle

History & Significance

A combined force of Danish Vikings and Cornish Britons, hoping to restore Cornish independence, was crushed by Ecgberht at Hingston Down near the Tamar. This was significant on two levels: it ended meaningful Cornish political independence and demonstrated that the English could defeat Viking-native alliances when properly led. Ecgberht died the following year.

Forces Involved

Vikings & Cornish: c. 2,000-4,000. Wessex (Ecgberht): c. 2,500-5,000.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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