Ragnar Lothbrok's Forgotten Raid on England

We often hear about Ragnar Lothbrok’s raid on Paris or his death in the snake pit, but there is a pivotal moment that shaped his legacy and Anglo-Saxon history: the Battle of Chippenham in 876. In this episode, we explore how Ragnar, or more accurately the historical figure Regnherus leading a massive Viking host, moved from the Seine to the Thames. We examine the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle’s account of the siege of Chippenham Castle. This wasn't just a skirmish; it was a calculated strike against Alfred the Great’s heartland that forced the King into a temporary retreat. We look at the tactical use of the longphort as a base for inland raids, the political fragmentation of Wessex, and the immediate aftermath that led to the Treaty of Wedmore. By understanding this specific campaign, we see how Ragnar’s legacy shifted from mere plunderer to a kingmaker who dictated terms to one of Europe’s most formidable rulers.

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