The battle was part of a campaign started by the Vikings in 892 to raid and potentially occupy lands in England, having been defeated by the armies of France.

Added to the land of East Anglia were those of Essex and south-east Mercia, forming Guthrum's kingdom, while Northumbria had been broken up, with the richest part forming the Viking kingdom of York under Halfdan, while the northern part survived under a local ruler, Eadwulf, ruling from Bamburgh.

[3] Alfred then reorganized the defence of his kingdom, creating fortified towns known as burhs to defend major sites and lines of communication.

The Vikings left France in 892 loading their families, animals and equipment into 250 boats, landing in the area of the Rother river in south-east England.

At this point a second Viking fleet, led by Haestan and consisting of 800 men, sailed up the Thames and landed at Milton Regis, near the Isle of Sheppey.

Unable to face both armies at once, Alfred negotiated a peace agreement with Haestan whereby both the Viking's sons were baptised and he agreed to leave Wessex in return for a sizeable payment.

[9] Edward initially besieged the island but with supplies short and his men nearing the end of their term of service he was forced to withdraw.

[10][11] The Anglo-Saxons broke into the camp and managed to capture a number of women and children, including Haestan's wife and two sons.

[10] Evidence of the battle was found during the construction of Benfleet railway station during the 19th century when human bones and charred timbers were discovered.

After nine months the Vikings left Wales and travelled through the Viking-held territories of Northumbria and East Anglia to reach Mersea Island in Essex.