BattlefieldsBattle of Wilton
Early Medieval

Battle of Wilton

871
Wiltshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wessex (Alfred)
Forces
c. 2,500–4,000 West Saxon fyrd under Alfred.
VS
Victor
Danes
Forces
c. 3,000–5,000 Danish warriors
Outcome
Alfred defeated at Wilton despite initial success; purchased peace
The Battle

History & Significance

The final battle of the 871 campaign saw Alfred defeated at Wilton; he had feigned retreat to lure the Danes but was overwhelmed; Wessex purchased peace with tribute.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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