BattlefieldsBattle of Bensington 779
Early Medieval

Battle of Bensington 779

779
Oxfordshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Benson · Offa defeats Cynewulf of Wessex
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Oxfordshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wessex (Cynewulf)
Forces
West Saxon forces
VS
Victor
Mercia (Offa)
Forces
Mercian army
Outcome
Mercia gained control of the upper Thames valley and Oxfordshire
The Battle

History & Significance

Offa defeated Cynewulf of Wessex at Bensington and seized the upper Thames valley, including the strategic town of Benson. This was a major expansion of Mercian territory at West Saxon expense and demonstrated that Offa military power far exceeded that of any rival English king in the late eighth century.

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