Battlefields›Danes Seize Exeter 876
Early Medieval

Danes Seize Exeter 876

876
Devon, England
Also known as: Danish occupation of Exeter 876 · Alfred blockades Exeter 876
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Devon, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish force under Guthrum
Forces
Alfred's besieging force c. 2,000–4,000.
VS
Victor
Alfred (eventual)
Forces
Guthrum's garrison c. 1,500–3,000
Outcome
Danes trapped in Exeter by Alfred; relief fleet destroyed by storm; Danes withdrew under oath
The Battle

History & Significance

The Danish seizure of Exeter and Alfred subsequent blockade demonstrated the West Saxon king could deny the Norse a major urban base, and the destruction of the relief fleet off Swanage amplified the victory.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Danes Seize Exeter 876

Medieval bridge and part of a late medieval conduit under Holloway Street
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Hall of the Vicars Choral, South Street
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Roman baths (site of), The Deanery
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Part of the Roman town of Exeter, beneath Cathedral Green
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Law Library, Cathedral Yard
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
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455
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Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
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