Battlefields›Siege of Rochester (885)
Early Medieval

Siege of Rochester (885)

885
Kent, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish Vikings
Forces
c.1,000–1,500 garrison and relief force; siege raised.
VS
Victor
Alfred the Great
Forces
c.2,000–3,000 Danish besiegers
Outcome
Alfred's relief force successfully broke the Danish siege, forcing the Vikings to abandon their assault on Rochester and withdraw, representing a significant defensive victory for the Anglo-Saxons.
The Battle

History & Significance

Viking siege raised by Alfred

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Siege of Rochester (885)

Rochester city wall
Scheduled monument · ~0.2 miles
Open areas within Roman, Saxon and medieval town
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
Remains of Rochester Priory cloister
Scheduled monument · ~0.3 miles
Rochester Castle
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 miles
Bridge Chapel
Scheduled monument · ~0.4 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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