Battlefields›Danish attack on Chippenham
Early Medieval

Danish attack on Chippenham

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

Who Fought

Defeated
West Saxons
Forces
West Saxon garrison c.200–400
VS
Victor
Danish Vikings
Forces
Danish Vikings c.2000–3000
Outcome
The Vikings successfully stormed and captured the fortified settlement of Chippenham, forcing King Alfred to flee into the Somerset marshes and establishing Danish control over much of Wessex until his recovery and counter-offensive.
The Battle

History & Significance

Danes surprised Alfred at Chippenham midwinter; forced Alfred into exile

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Danish attack on Chippenham

Moated Site and Fishponds east of Rowden Manor
Scheduled monument · ~0.9 miles
Roman site at Manor Farm
Scheduled monument · ~1.3 miles
Medieval settlement of Sheldon
Scheduled monument · ~2.1 miles
Lanhill Barrow: a long barrow 300m south of Sparrow Farm
Scheduled monument · ~2.6 miles
Dovecote at Manor Farm, Draycot Cerne
Scheduled monument · ~3 miles
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Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
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