BattlefieldsBattle of Langport (878)
Early Medieval

Battle of Langport (878)

878
Somerset, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish foragers
Forces
Danish foragers c.200–400
VS
Victor
Alfred of Wessex (mustering phase)
Forces
Alfred's guerrillas c.300–600
Outcome
Small engagement during Alfred's Athelney phase
The Battle

History & Significance

During Alfred's months in the Somerset marshes centred on Athelney (January–May 878), his forces made guerrilla raids against Danish-held territory. The Somerset Chronicle tradition preserves accounts of skirmishes around Langport and the Somerset levels as Alfred gradually gathered support before his assembly at Egbert's Stone. These small actions maintained West Saxon resistance during the darkest period of the Viking wars.

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