BattlefieldsBattle of Basing 871
Early Medieval

Battle of Basing 871

871
Hampshire, England
Also known as: Basing 871 · Danes defeat Wessex at Basing
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Hampshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
West Saxons (Alfred)
Forces
Danish Great Army reinforced by a new Danish summer army
VS
Victor
Danish Great Heathen Army
Forces
West Saxon army
Outcome
West Saxons defeated at Basing; Danes consolidate Hampshire position
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Basing in January 871 followed close after the West Saxon victory at Ashdown. The Danish army recovered quickly and defeated Alfred's forces at Basing (Old Basing near Basingstoke). The rapid sequence of battles — Ashdown, Basing, Meretun — within the space of two months shows the intensity of the 871 campaign. Alfred's ability to remain in the field after repeated defeats was the foundation of his later success.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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