BattlefieldsBattle of Posente (661)
Early Medieval

Battle of Posente (661)

661
Berkshire, England
Also known as: Battle at Posentesburh
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Berkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Cenwalh of Wessex
Forces
c. 1,500–3,000 Wessex
VS
Victor
Wulfhere of Mercia
Forces
c. 2,000–4,000 Mercia
Outcome
Wulfhere ravaged Ashdown; Isle of Wight ceded to the South Saxons
The Battle

History & Significance

Wulfhere of Mercia, Penda's son, launched an aggressive campaign against Wessex in 661, ravaging as far as the Berkshire Downs (Ashdown) and seizing the Isle of Wight, which he gave to the South Saxon king Aethelwalh along with Surrey. This demonstrates that Mercian ambitions under Penda's successors remained unchecked for decades after the Battle of the Winwaed.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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