BattlefieldsBattle of Wilton 871 - Late Season Action
Early Medieval

Battle of Wilton 871 - Late Season Action

871
Wiltshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Wilton 871 second
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
West Saxons
Forces
Alfred's Wessex c.3,000–5,000.
VS
Victor
Great Heathen Army
Forces
Great Heathen Army c.5,000–8,000
Outcome
Danish victory after feigned retreat; Alfred compelled to buy peace; Great Army took up winter quarters in London
The Battle

History & Significance

The Battle of Wilton in late 871 was fought by newly crowned King Alfred against the Danish army near the royal vill of Wilton in Wiltshire. Alfred initially drove the Danes back, but the Vikings feigned flight and then turned on the pursuing English, defeating them. Alfred was forced to buy peace - the first Danegeld payment recorded for Wessex. This ended the main campaign of 871, which had seen nine major battles.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Wiltshire

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Wiltshire