BattlefieldsBattle of Cannington (878)
Early Medieval

Battle of Cannington (878)

878
Somerset, England
Also known as: Viking Winter at Chippenham aftermath
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Somerset, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Danish foragers
Forces
Danish foragers c.200–400; minor engagement
VS
Victor
Alfred of Wessex
Forces
Alfred c.300–600
Outcome
Guerrilla success near Somerset during Athelney period
The Battle

History & Significance

During Alfred's Athelney period, the Somerset Chronicle tradition and later sources record various skirmishing engagements in the Somerset levels and surrounding hills as Alfred maintained pressure on Danish forces. Cannington hill was an ancient defended site above the Quantocks that may have served as a local refuge and rally point for West Saxon resistance before the main campaign at Egbert's Stone.

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