Alfred refuge in the Somerset marshes at Athelney from January to May 878 was the lowest point of the English kingdoms. He built a small fort on the marsh island of Athelney and conducted guerrilla raids against the Danish occupiers of Wessex. The Chronicle and Asser record he raided the Danes from the forest and the marsh. This period of resistance was essential to his eventual comeback at Edington, allowing him to maintain a core of loyal followers and keep the idea of English resistance alive.
Alfred with a small band of loyal Somerset thegns
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