BattlefieldsDanish Fleet Ravages Thames Estuary 892
Early Medieval

Danish Fleet Ravages Thames Estuary 892

892
Kent, England
Also known as: Haesten Enters Thames 892
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English coastal defences
Forces
English coastal defences; major invasion.
VS
Victor
Danish invaders
Forces
c.5,000–8,000 Danish (250 ships) under Haesten
Outcome
Two Danish forces established in Kent; Alfred successfully positioned between them; start of the three-year war of 892-896
The Battle

History & Significance

In 892 a large Danish fleet from Boulogne, 250 ships under Haesten, entered the Thames Estuary and sailed up the Limen (Rother) to Appledore in Kent. Simultaneously Haesten's own force of 80 ships entered the Thames at Milton in Kent. This double invasion was the most serious threat to Wessex since 878. Alfred immediately deployed his forces between the two armies. The Chronicle records Alfred positioned himself to reach either army quickly.

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