BattlefieldsNorse Capture of York Under Ragnald 919
Early Medieval

Norse Capture of York Under Ragnald 919

919
North Yorkshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish Northumbria
Forces
Danish Northumbrians c.2,000–4,000.
VS
Victor
Ragnald
Forces
Ragnald's Norse c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Ragnald seized York; established Norse kingship of Northumbria; English plans for northern expansion complicated by new Norse power
The Battle

History & Significance

Ragnald, a Norse-Irish king expelled from Ireland, won control of York in 919 after defeating the Danish king Sihtric at the Battle of Corbridge. York was a prize that changed hands repeatedly between English, Danish, and Norse rulers throughout the tenth century. Ragnald established a new Norse dynasty at York that would compete with English kings for control of Northumbria until 954.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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