The Danes enter Thames estuary and march on Canterbury

Historical Context Note

Rebecca Thomas (University of Cambridge)
Download PDF Add to Bookshelf Report an Error

Resources

In 851 the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records a large viking fleet of 350 ships sailing up the Thames and attacking Canterbury and London. Attempted resistance by Brihtwulf, king of the Mercians failed, and he and his army were forced to flee. Following this, the vikings moved into Surrey.

45 words

Citation: Thomas, Rebecca. "The Danes enter Thames estuary and march on Canterbury". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 29 February 2016 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=6955, accessed 26 November 2024.]

6955 The Danes enter Thames estuary and march on Canterbury 2 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.