BattlefieldsBattle of Edington — approach march (878)
Early Medieval

Battle of Edington — approach march (878)

878
Wiltshire, England
Also known as: Mustering at Egbert's Stone
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish foragers
Forces
Danish foragers c.200–300
VS
Victor
Alfred of Wessex
Forces
Alfred's advance guard c.500–800
Outcome
Alfred's assembled fyrd encountered Danish forces before the main battle
The Battle

History & Significance

Asser records that after mustering at Egbert's Stone, Alfred marched to Iley Oak and then to Edington. The approach march almost certainly involved contact with Danish scouting forces. The geography of the Pewsey Vale and Wiltshire Downs offered multiple routes and the Danes at Chippenham would have sent out patrols. These preliminary engagements are implicit in Asser's account even if not specifically recorded.

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