10 AUG 991
01 Viking raids of 991
In July and August of 991, a fleet of 93 Viking Longships ravaged Hampshire, Kent and Ipswich before heading up the River Blackwater to the Island of Northey, near Maldon. This location offered a safe harbour for their ships, protected from the mainland by a tidal causeway.
02 Byrhtnoth responds
The Ealdorman of Essex, Byrhtnoth,, of the manpower of Essex. This required that a certain number of men per area (hide) of land, served in the army for a time. These men will have been told to gather at Maldon to face the Viking threat.
