BattlefieldsBattle of the Isle of Thanet (853)
Early Medieval

Battle of the Isle of Thanet (853)

853
Kent, England
Also known as: Aethelwulf's Thanet campaign
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Men of Kent and Surrey
Forces
Kentish and Surrey men c. 2,000-3,000.
VS
Victor
Vikings (overwintering)
Forces
Viking force c. 2,000-3,000
Outcome
Joint Kentish-Surrey force defeated at Thanet
The Battle

History & Significance

The Chronicle records that in 853 the men of Kent and Surrey fought the Danes at Thanet and the Danes had possession of the field of battle. This coordinated Viking holding of Thanet as a winter base and fighting off English attempts to dislodge them showed increasing Viking strategic sophistication — they were now defending positions rather than merely raiding and retreating.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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