The Battle of Basing: January 22, 871
871 · Basing, England
The Battle of Basing took place during the Viking invasions of England, where the forces of King Æthelred of Wessex were defeated by a Danish army.
The Great Heathen Army Lands in England - September 8, 866
On September 8, 866, a formidable coalition of Norse warriors known as the Great Heathen Army landed in East Anglia, marking the beginning of a significant series of invasions and battles across England. This event was a pivotal moment in the Viking Age and had lasting impacts on the history of England.
Background
The Great Heathen Army was not a typical Viking raiding party. Unlike earlier raids that were primarily hit-and-run attacks aimed at looting, this was a large, organized force with the intent of conquest and settlement. The army was composed of warriors from various Norse territories, including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and was led by several prominent Viking leaders, such as Ivar the Boneless, Halfdan Ragnarsson, and Ubba, who were reputedly the sons of the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok.
The Invasion
Upon landing in East Anglia, the Great Heathen Army initially sought to consolidate its strength. The East Anglian king, Edmund, chose to make peace with the invaders, providing them with horses and supplies. This strategic move allowed the Vikings to prepare for further incursions into the heart of Anglo-Saxon England.
Key Events
Capture of York (866): After securing resources in East Anglia, the Great Heathen Army moved north and captured the city of York on November 1, 866. York was a significant and prosperous city, and its capture was a major blow to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Conquest of Northumbria (867): Following the fall of York, the Vikings turned their attention to the kingdom of Northumbria. The internal strife within Northumbria made it vulnerable, and the Vikings quickly took control, installing a puppet king.
Campaigns in Mercia and Wessex: The army continued its campaigns, moving south into Mercia and Wessex. These campaigns were met with varying degrees of resistance, with Wessex under King Alfred the Great eventually becoming a focal point of resistance against the Viking incursions.
Aftermath and Significance
The arrival of the Great Heathen Army marked the beginning of a prolonged period of warfare and political upheaval in England. The Viking presence led to significant cultural and demographic changes, with many Norse settlers eventually integrating into the local population.
The resistance led by King Alfred the Great in Wessex became legendary, culminating in the eventual establishment of a more unified English kingdom. The events set in motion by the Great Heathen Army’s invasion had long-lasting effects on the political landscape of England, contributing to the eventual formation of a unified English identity.
The legacy of the Great Heathen Army is evident in the cultural and historical narratives of both England and the Norse world, illustrating the profound impact of the Viking Age on European history.