BattlefieldsBattle of Reading 871
Early Medieval

Battle of Reading 871

871
Berkshire, England
Also known as: West Saxon attack on Reading 871 · Aethelred and Alfred repulsed at Reading
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Berkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wessex (Aethelred I and Alfred)
Forces
entrenched Danish Great Army at Reading
VS
Victor
Danes
Forces
West Saxon royal army
Outcome
West Saxon attack on Danish camp at Reading repulsed; Ealdorman Aethelwulf killed
The Battle

History & Significance

Four days after Englefield, Aethelred and Alfred attacked the Danish camp at Reading. They broke through the gate but were driven back. Ealdorman Aethelwulf of Berkshire, the Englefield victor, was killed in the retreat. The defeat set the scene for the decisive clash four days later at Ashdown.

Casualties & Losses

Ealdorman Aethelwulf of Berkshire killed

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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