BattlefieldsBattle of Ellandun (Wroughton)
Early Medieval

Battle of Ellandun (Wroughton)

825
Wiltshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Ellandon · Battle of Wroughton
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Beornwulf of Mercia
Forces
Mercia (Beornwulf): c. 1,200–2,500 warriors.
VS
Victor
Ecgberht of Wessex
Forces
Wessex (Ecgberht): c. 1,500–3,000 warriors
Outcome
Decisive West Saxon victory; Mercian hegemony ended
The Battle

History & Significance

Ecgberht's victory at Ellandun ended over a century of Mercian supremacy over southern England. Beornwulf of Mercia was decisively defeated and the client kingdoms of Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Essex all transferred their allegiance to Wessex. This battle marks the shift of English political gravity from Mercia to Wessex — making Ecgberht and his descendants the eventual kings of England.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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