BattlefieldsBattle of Edington 878
Early Medieval

Battle of Edington 878

878
Wiltshire, England
Also known as: Battle of Ethandun · Alfred defeats Guthrum
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Registered · EHB001
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danes (Guthrum)
Forces
Guthrum Danish Great Army
VS
Victor
Wessex (Alfred)
Forces
Somerset, Wiltshire and part of Hampshire fyrd
Outcome
Danes utterly defeated and pursued; Guthrum besieged at Chippenham; baptism of Guthrum; Treaty of Wedmore; Danelaw boundary established
The Battle

History & Significance

Alfred greatest victory. Emerging from Athelney he assembled the fyrd at Egbert stone and marched to Edington, where he fought the whole Danish army in a long and fierce battle. The Danes fled; Alfred pursued them to Chippenham and besieged them for two weeks until they surrendered. Guthrum was baptised with Alfred as godfather.

Casualties & Losses

Heavy Danish losses; Guthrum survivors besieged and starved

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: EHB001.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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