Battle of Bensington

The Battle of Bensington was a major battle fought between Mercia, led by King Offa, and the West Saxons led by Cynewulf of Wessex. It ended with a victory for the Mercians, and the West Saxons recognizing Mercian overlordship.

Battle of Bensington
Date779[1]
Location
Possibly the village of Benson in present-day Oxfordshire, England
Result Decisive Mercian victory
Belligerents
Mercia Wessex
Commanders and leaders
Offa of Mercia Cynewulf of Wessex

Nearly nothing is known about the battle except that the Mercians defeated the West Saxons.

The reference in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is succinct. It simply reads:

"777 [actually 779] Her Cynewulf & Offa gefuhton ymb Benesingtun & Offa nam þone tuun".

(This year Cynewulf and Offa fought near Bensington and Offa took the town.)[2]

References
  1. Kohn, George (2006). Dictionary of Wars. Infobase. p. 380.
  2. Swanton, Michael (2000). The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles (2nd ed.). London: Phoenix Press. p. 50.
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