The Great Heathen Army moved from Mercia to Berkshire in late 870 and fortified the royal estate at Reading at the confluence of the Kennet and Thames. Aethelwulf, Ealdorman of Berkshire, attacked the Danish camp while the main army was foraging and was killed with many of his men. The Danish fortification of Reading created a powerful base from which the year of battles in 871 was fought. Only Ashdown was a clear West Saxon victory; the Danes held Reading throughout.
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