Battlefields›Battle of Meretun 871
Early Medieval

Battle of Meretun 871

871
Wiltshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Merton 871 · Bishop Heahmund killed at Meretun
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wessex (Alfred)
Forces
Danish Great Army
VS
Victor
Danes
Forces
West Saxon army under new king Alfred
Outcome
West Saxons defeated; Bishop Heahmund of Sherborne killed; Danish grip on Wessex tightened
The Battle

History & Significance

Alfred fought the Danes at Meretun (possibly Marten in Wiltshire or Martin in Hampshire) and was defeated after initial success. Bishop Heahmund of Sherborne was killed fighting alongside the secular forces, a sign of how desperate the defence of Wessex had become. Alfred purchased a temporary peace after this defeat.

Casualties & Losses

Bishop Heahmund of Sherborne killed; heavy West Saxon losses

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Battle of Meretun 871

Balksbury hillfort
Scheduled monument · ~0.1 miles
Bury Hill camp
Scheduled monument · ~0.7 miles
Foxcott deserted medieval village
Scheduled monument · ~1.7 miles
Old Pound Copse earthwork
Scheduled monument · ~2.8 miles
Long Barrow 350m south-east of Nutbane
Scheduled monument · ~3.2 miles
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