Battle of Aylesford facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Aylesford
Part of the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain
Anglo-Saxon Migration in the 5th century
Date 455 AD Location Aylesford, Kent Result Unclear
Belligerents
Anglo-Saxons	Britons
Commanders and leaders
Hengist Horsa  †	Possibly Vortigern Vortimer Catigern  †
Strength
Unknown	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Aylesford was an important fight between the Britons (the people who lived in Britain before the Anglo-Saxons) and the Anglo-Saxons. This battle happened a long, long time ago, around the year 455 AD. We know about it from old writings like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the Historia Brittonum.

The battle involved two famous Anglo-Saxon leaders, Hengist and Horsa. On the other side were leaders from the family of Vortigern, who was a powerful British king. The battle took place near a place called Æglesthrep, which we believe is modern-day Aylesford in Kent, England. It's not clear from the old records who actually won this battle.

What Happened at the Battle of Aylesford?

Stories from Old Books

We learn about the Battle of Aylesford from two very old books written in the 800s. These books are like history records from a long time ago.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's Tale

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is one of these old books. It tells us about the battle in its entry for the year 455. According to this book, the Anglo-Saxon leaders Hengist and Horsa fought against Vortigern, who was the King of the Britons.

During this battle, Horsa, one of the Anglo-Saxon leaders, was killed. After Horsa's death, Hengist and his son Oisc became the first Kings of Kent. The Chronicle says:

This year Hengest and Horsa fought with Wurtgern the king on the spot that is called Aylesford. His brother Horsa being there slain, Hengest afterwards took to the kingdom with his son Esc.

The Historia Brittonum's Version

Another old book, the Historia Brittonum, tells a slightly different story. It says that it was Vortimer, King Vortigern's son, who led the Britons against the Saxons. Vortimer fought four battles against them. The third of these battles was at a place called Epsford, which is another name for Aylesford.

In this battle, both Horsa (the Anglo-Saxon leader) and Catigern (Vortimer's brother) were killed. The Historia doesn't say who won this particular battle. It mentions that sometimes the Saxons won and expanded their land, and sometimes they were defeated and pushed back.

The Aftermath of the Battle

The Historia Brittonum says that the Britons managed to push the Saxons out in a fourth battle. However, Vortimer died soon after, and the Saxon victory was short-lived. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle also paints a tough picture for the Britons. It says they had to leave Kent for good after Hengist and Oisc won a big battle at Crayford in 457.

Ancient Burial Sites

Near Aylesford, there are two very old stone tombs from the Neolithic period (a time long before the battle). These tombs are called Kit's Coty House and White Horse Stone. Local stories say that these are the burial places of Catigern and Horsa, the two leaders who died in the battle.