BattlefieldsBattle at Kennet (1006)
Early Medieval

Battle at Kennet (1006)

1006
Berkshire, England
Also known as: Danish raid to Kennet
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Berkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English (Berkshire and Wiltshire)
Forces
English (Berkshire/Wiltshire): c.1,500–3,000.
VS
Victor
Vikings
Forces
Vikings: c.3,000–5,000
Outcome
Danish army marched provocatively past Winchester to the sea
The Battle

History & Significance

In the autumn of 1006, a Danish army marched from its base on the Isle of Wight through Berkshire and Wiltshire, passing provocatively within sight of Winchester, and returned to the coast laden with spoils. The Chronicle notes bitterly that the English army, assembled from both sides of the Thames, could not intercept them. The episode was a public humiliation for Aethelred's regime and its military capacity.

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