BattlefieldsBattle of Kempsford 800
Early Medieval

Battle of Kempsford 800

800
Gloucestershire, England
Also known as: Kempsford 800 · Weohstan defeats Mercia
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Gloucestershire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Mercia (Aethelmund)
Forces
Wiltshire fyrd
VS
Victor
Wessex (Ealdorman Weohstan)
Forces
Mercian border force
Outcome
Ealdorman Aethelmund of Mercia killed; West Saxon ealdorman also killed; Mercian advance into Wiltshire checked
The Battle

History & Significance

A Mercian force under Ealdorman Aethelmund crossed the Thames at Kempsford into Wiltshire. Ealdorman Weohstan of Wiltshire met them and both ealdormen were killed. The West Saxons won the battle despite losing their leader. It was a frontier clash typical of Mercian-West Saxon rivalry and showed that Wessex could resist even after Offa death.

Casualties & Losses

Both Ealdorman Aethelmund and Ealdorman Weohstan killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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