BattlefieldsBattle of Englefield
Early Medieval

Battle of Englefield

870
Berkshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Berkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish foragers
Forces
Danish foragers c.500–1,000.
VS
Victor
West Saxons (Aethelwulf of Berkshire)
Forces
West Saxons c.1,000–2,000
Outcome
West Saxon skirmish victory; Danish earl killed
The Battle

History & Significance

A few days before the assault on Reading, ealdorman Aethelwulf of Berkshire intercepted Danish foragers at Englefield, killing a Danish king (jarl). This small but morale-boosting victory encouraged the larger West Saxon assault on Reading that followed — which ended disastrously. Alfred was present at Englefield, gaining his first battle experience.

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