BattlefieldsBattle of Ethellingaeig (878) — Athelney Skirmish
Early Medieval

Battle of Ethellingaeig (878) — Athelney Skirmish

878
Somerset, England
Also known as: Alfred at Athelney
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish raiders
Forces
Danish raiders c.200–400; skirmish
VS
Victor
Alfred of Wessex
Forces
Alfred's forces c.300–600
Outcome
Alfred raids from Athelney base; local resistance maintained
The Battle

History & Significance

During Alfred's months at Athelney in the Somerset marshes (January–May 878), he maintained active resistance against Danish forces in the surrounding area. Asser records that he fought with a small band from Athelney. These guerrilla operations kept West Saxon resistance alive and maintained Alfred's contact with the Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire thegns who would answer his summons to Egbert's Stone.

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