BattlefieldsAlfred at Athelney 878
Early Medieval

Alfred at Athelney 878

878
Somerset, England
Also known as: Alfred in the Somerset Marshes · Athelney refuge 878
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish patrols
Forces
Danish occupation forces
VS
Victor
Alfred (survival)
Forces
Alfred small warband
Outcome
Alfred maintained resistance from Athelney for approximately three months before rallying the fyrd
The Battle

History & Significance

Alfred refuge at Athelney in the Somerset marshes became the most celebrated moment of English resistance. He built a fort there and led guerrilla raids on the Danes. The legendary story of Alfred burning the cakes originates from this period. In the spring he summoned the Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire fyrd and marched to defeat Guthrum at Edington.

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