10 AUGUST 991

01 VIKING RAIDS OF 991

In July and August 991, a fleet of 93 Viking longships ravages Hampshire, Kent and Ipswich before heading up the River Blackwater to Northey Island, near Maldon. This location offers a safe harbour for their ships and is protected from the mainland by a tidal causeway.

02 BYRHTNOTH RESPONDS

The Ealdorman of Essex, Byrhtnoth, must’ve had advance warning of the Vikings’ approach and has time to call the muster, the fyrd, of the manpower of Essex. This requires that a certain number of men per area (hide) of land serve in the army when needed. These men are told to gather at Maldon to face the Viking threat.

03 FIGHT, WAIT OR PAY

Byrhtnoth has the option of not fighting the Vikings – indeed soon after the battle they were paid with gold (Danegeld) to leave England’s shores unmolested. If he doesn’t fight, however, Byrhtnoth will need to shadow the enemy fleet in their further travels.

04 HERE WE STAND

Byrhtnoth decides to fight and draws up his men on the southern shore opposite the Vikings on Northey Island.

The Vikings, perhaps incredulous, face him and demand payment. This is refused.

05 FIGHT ON THE BRIDGE

The tidal causeway is only wide enough for three men abreast to cross. Once the tide allows, the Vikings attempt to advance but are prevented by three of Byrhtnoth’s warriors: Alfhere, Maccus and Wulfstan.

06 TRICK OR PLAN?

Thwarted in their crossing, the Vikings demand that Byrhtnoth allows them to cross unmolested so they can settle matters in a fair fight. Byrhtnoth consents (an action for which he is much criticised). The Anglo-saxons probably withdraw their line from the water’s edge to allow the Vikings to advance and draw up their battleline. (They do not take advantage and attack the undeployed Viking line).