BattlefieldsBattle of Sandwich (851)
Early Medieval

Battle of Sandwich (851)

851
Kent, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Vikings
Forces
Viking fleet c. 20-30 ships.
VS
Victor
Aethelstan of Kent
Forces
Kentish naval force c. 12-18 ships
Outcome
First recorded English naval victory; nine Viking ships captured
The Battle

History & Significance

Aethelstan, sub-king of Kent under his father Aethelwulf, fought a Viking fleet off Sandwich and won, capturing nine ships. This is one of the earliest recorded naval battles in English history and a significant early success. The Chronicle also notes that in the same year the Danes first overwintered in England (at Thanet), showing the raids were intensifying despite this setback.

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