BattlefieldsHamwic Viking Raid 840
Early Medieval

Hamwic Viking Raid 840

840
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Southampton Norse Raid 840 · Wulfheard defeats Norse at Southampton 840
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Norse raiders
Forces
c. 400–1,200 English defenders under Wulfheard.
VS
Victor
Ealdorman Wulfheard
Forces
c. 300–800 Norse raiders
Outcome
Norse raiding party defeated by local ealdorman
The Battle

History & Significance

One of the rare early instances of successful English resistance to a Norse coastal raid, Ealdorman Wulfheard defended Hamwic and inflicted a defeat that provided a template for later burh-based defence.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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