BattlefieldsBattle of the Holme (902) — East Anglian phase
Early Medieval

Battle of the Holme (902) — East Anglian phase

902
East Anglia, England
Also known as: Aethelwold's Rebellion Battle
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
East Anglia, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Kentish / West Saxon forces
Forces
Aethelwold and Danes c.2,000–4,000.
VS
Victor
East Anglian Danes (pyrrhic)
Forces
West Saxon/Kentish forces c.2,500–4,000
Outcome
Danish tactical victory but Aethelwold killed; English strategic success
The Battle

History & Significance

Edward the Elder's rebellious cousin Aethelwold, who had obtained Danish support from East Anglia, led a raid into Mercia and Wessex. When Edward's forces withdrew, the Kentish contingent disobeyed and stayed to plunder. The Danes counterattacked and won, but Aethelwold and the Danish king Eohric were both killed. Edward continued south, ravaging East Anglia for many days before withdrawing. The dynastic threat was ended.

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