MEM25099 - Battle of Cynwit, Countisbury (Monument)
Summary
Please read the Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Record caveat document.
Type and Period (1)
Protected Status
- None recorded
Full Description
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. Aser 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]
Sources/Archives (5)
- <1> SEM340914 Monograph: Whitelock, D. (Ed.). 1961. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. a Revised Translation. Eyre and Spottiswoode. p 49.
- <2> SEM7987 Digital archive: Historic England. Various. National Record of the Historic Environment (NRHE) entry. 1431330, Added 7 December 2021.
- <3>XY SDE93444 Article in serial: Alexander, J.J.. 1933. The Beginnings of Ilfracombe. Transactions of the Devonshire Association. 65. p 211. [Mapped feature: #47748 ]
- <4> SDE93461 Article in serial: Alexander, J.J.. 1930-1931. Arx Cynuit. Devon and Cornwall Notes and Queries. 16. pp 310-313, 351-352.
- <5> SEM8630 Verbal communication: Various. 1993-. Exmoor National Park Historic Environment Team staff comments. Catherine Dove, 10 December 2021.
External Links (0)
Other Statuses/References
- Local List Status (Require info)
- National Monuments Record reference: SS 74 NE70
- NRHE HOB UID (Pastscape): 1431330
Location
Grid reference | SS 7395 4936 (point) |
---|---|
Map sheet | SS74NW |
Civil Parish | COUNTISBURY, NORTH DEVON, DEVON |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Record last edited
Dec 10 2021 11:10AM
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