BattlefieldsViking Fleet Winters on Thames at Reading 870
Early Medieval

Viking Fleet Winters on Thames at Reading 870

870
England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Kingdom of Wessex
Forces
Berkshire defenders
VS
Victor
Great Heathen Army
Forces
Great Heathen Army segment under two jarls
Outcome
Danish fortified camp established at Reading; West Berkshire opened to Danish raiding
The Battle

History & Significance

The Great Heathen Army moved from East Anglia to Reading in late 870 and established a fortified camp at the confluence of the Kennet and Thames. Two jarls led a foraging party toward Englefield while the main army fortified Reading, beginning the campaign of 870-871 that almost destroyed Wessex. The Reading camp became the base for the Viking assault on Berkshire.

Questions & Answers

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