BattlefieldsMartyrdom of King Edmund at Hoxne (869 AD)
Early Medieval

Martyrdom of King Edmund at Hoxne (869 AD)

869
Suffolk, England
Also known as: Death of St Edmund 869 · Execution of King Edmund
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Suffolk, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
East Anglians (King Edmund)
Forces
Edmund with retinue c. 50–100.
VS
Victor
Danes (Ivar the Boneless)
Forces
Danish forces c. 300–500
Outcome
Edmund captured, refused to renounce Christianity, was tied to a tree, shot with arrows, and beheaded
The Battle

History & Significance

The martyrdom of Edmund at Hoxne (traditionally) became the defining event of early medieval East Anglia. Edmund refused Ivar's demand to share his kingdom as a Danish vassal or renounce his faith. He was bound to an oak tree, shot full of arrows and beheaded. His body was taken to Beodricsworth (Bury St Edmunds) where miracles were reported. He is patron saint of East Anglia.

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