Battlefields›Edgar Atheling Appeals to Scandinavian Alliance 1069
Early Medieval

Edgar Atheling Appeals to Scandinavian Alliance 1069

1069
North Yorkshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Norman garrison of York
Forces
Norman garrison c.1,000–1,500.
VS
Victor
Edgar Atheling (short term)
Forces
Edgar Atheling and Danish allies c.4,000–6,000
Outcome
York briefly recovered; Norman garrison destroyed; William bought off Danish fleet; Edgar unable to hold York without Danish support; William devastated the north
The Battle

History & Significance

In 1069, Edgar Atheling allied with the Danish fleet of King Sweyn II of Denmark, which arrived in the Humber with 240 ships. The combined English-Danish force captured York and the Norman garrison of 3,000 was destroyed. William I marched north and bought off the Danes with silver, leaving Edgar isolated. This attempt to use Scandinavian military power to restore English kingship was the most serious challenge to Norman rule after Hastings and directly provoked the devastating Harrying of the North.

Casualties & Losses

Norman garrison of York destroyed; great casualties in the subsequent Harrying of the North

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Edgar Atheling Appeals to Scandinavian Alliance 1069

South angle tower of Roman fortress
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Merchant's Hall, Fossgate
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Medieval stone town house known as The Norman House to the rear of Nos 48 and 50 Stonegate
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
St Peter's Hospital, part of undercroft beneath the Theatre Royal
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Jewbury Medieval Jewish Cemetery
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
More from this era

Other Early Medieval Battles

Battle of Crecganford
456
Kent, England
Battle of Aylesford
455
Kent, England
Jutish Revolt — Battle at Aegelesthrep (Aylesford approach)
455
Kent, England
Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
Yorkshire, England
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