Battlefields›Battle of York — Death of Kings Aelle and Osberht (867 AD)
Early Medieval

Battle of York — Death of Kings Aelle and Osberht (867 AD)

867
West Riding, England
Also known as: Northumbrian counter-attack on York 867 · Death of Aelle
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
West Riding, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Northumbrians (Aelle and Osberht)
Forces
Northumbrians: c.2,000–4,000.
VS
Victor
Vikings (Great Heathen Army)
Forces
Great Heathen Army: c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Both Northumbrian kings killed; kingdom ended; Viking Jorvik established
The Battle

History & Significance

The rival Northumbrian kings Aelle and Osberht reconciled and launched a counter-attack on York in 867. They breached the Roman walls but were destroyed inside the city. Both kings were killed; according to Norse saga tradition, Aelle was subjected to the 'blood eagle' torture. The destruction of the Northumbrian royal house ended the old kingdom; a puppet English king was installed under Viking overlordship. This battle secured Viking control of Yorkshire for generations.

Casualties & Losses

Both Northumbrian kings killed; much of the Northumbrian army

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Battle of York — Death of Kings Aelle and Osberht (867 AD)

Merchant's Hall, Fossgate
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
South angle tower of Roman fortress
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Medieval stone town house known as The Norman House to the rear of Nos 48 and 50 Stonegate
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
St George's medieval chapel 120m south of York Castle
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
York Castle: motte and bailey castle, tower keep castle (including Clifford's Tower), and site of part of Romano-British fort-vicus and Anglian cemetery
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
More from this era

Other Early Medieval Battles

Battle of Crecganford
456
Kent, England
Battle of Aylesford
455
Kent, England
Jutish Revolt — Battle at Aegelesthrep (Aylesford approach)
455
Kent, England
Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
Yorkshire, England
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