Battlefields›Danish Army winters in Dorset 876
Early Medieval

Danish Army winters in Dorset 876

876
Dorset, England
Also known as: Halfdan Dorset 876 · Danish winter camp Wareham 876
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Dorset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Alfred of Wessex (strategic)
Forces
West Saxon defenders c. 1,000–2,500.
VS
Victor
Danes (Guthrum)
Forces
Guthrum's army c. 2,500–4,500
Outcome
Danes break out from Wareham to Exeter despite treaty; Alfred outmaneuvered
The Battle

History & Significance

Guthrum wintered the Danish army at Wareham in 876, broke the peace under cover of night, and slipped to Exeter, demonstrating the pressure Alfred faced before Edington.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Danish Army winters in Dorset 876

Cross dyke on Knowle Hill, 430m south of East Creech Farm
Scheduled monument · ~3.3 miles
Hilltop enclosure and a pillow mound on Knowle Hill
Scheduled monument · ~3.3 miles
Group of six pillow mounds 470m north west of Barnston Farm
Scheduled monument · ~3.4 miles
Oval barrow at the western end of Stonehill Down, 800m south west of East Creech Farm
Scheduled monument · ~3.4 miles
Cross dyke on Knowle Hill, 470m SSE of East Creech Farm
Scheduled monument · ~3.4 miles
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