Danish attacks on England escalate between 991…
1001 CE
Danish attacks on England escalate between 991 and 1005 from small isolated raids to massed attacks by larger forces.
The Danes ravage the countryside, demanding huge tributes (Danegeld) from Æthelred, the Anglo-Saxon king.
The attacks continue, however, and their plunder and pillage tactics, combined with a rapid march strategy, bring them as far as Æthelingadene.
The attack begins with the arrival of the Viking fleet off the Sussex coast, which then proceeds to "Æthelingadene" where the men of Hampshire unite to fight against them.
An indication of the severity of the English casualty list is given by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which cites the total English losses as eighty-one, including two high-reeves and three thegns, of the bishop of Winchester; this is compared, to 'a much greater number' lost by the Danes.
The Danes manage to win the field and advance further west, however, while the Anglo-Saxons retreat to Winchester.
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