BattlefieldsSiege of Oxford by Cnut
Early Medieval

Siege of Oxford by Cnut

1013
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Cnut besieges Oxford 1013
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Oxford garrison
Forces
Oxford garrison c. 500–1,500.
VS
Victor
Cnut / Swein Forkbeard
Forces
Cnut/Swein c. 8,000–12,000
Outcome
Oxford surrendered; part of the general collapse of English resistance
The Battle

History & Significance

During Swein Forkbeard's conquest of England in 1013, Oxford submitted to the Danes as part of the general collapse of Aethelred's rule. Oxford's strategic position on the Thames made its capture important for controlling the Midlands-south frontier. The submission contributed to Aethelred's flight to Normandy and Swein's recognition as king.

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