MEM25099 - Battle of Cynwit, Countisbury (Monument)

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records that in 878: "And the same winter the brother of Ivar and Healfdene was in the kingdom of the West Saxons [in Devon] with 23 ships. And he was killed there and 840 men of his army with him. And there was captured the banner which they called `Raven'". Both Asser and Aethelweard provide further information. Asser says that he had come from Dyfed where he had slaughtered many Christians, and gives details of the defence and sortie of the english from a fort he calls Cynwit (Countisbury). Aethelweard also refers to the siege of a fort. He names Odda, ealdorman of Devon, as the English leader. Strangely, he assigns victory to the Danes. [1] This record was enhanced as part of the National Record of the Historic Environment to Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record data transfer project. [2] Countisbury Castle is suggested as the location of the battlefield - see MDE1236. [3-5]