Sweyn's Invasion of England

Timeline

1. 1003Denmark · DenmarkSweyn Forkbeard used the St. Brice's Day massacre and the killing of his sister Gunhilde as pretexts, assembling a large fleet in Denmark and sailing south to invade England, intending to avenge these wrongs and expand his power.
2. 1003Exeter · DevonViking forces besieged and captured the Devonshire town of Exeter; its defender Hugh de Ponthieu failed to put up effective resistance. The city was burned, becoming one of the most destructive results of this invasion.
3. 1004–1005England · EnglandThe invading forces continued to raid various parts of England in 1004–1005. Æthelred was forced to pay enormous tribute once more, but the Viking threat was not dispelled. This expedition laid the military and political foundation for Sweyn's later full conquest of England.