Battlefields›Viking Seizure of Chippenham
Early Medieval

Viking Seizure of Chippenham

878
Wiltshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Wiltshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Wessex (Alfred)
Forces
Wessex garrison c.200–400; surprise raid
VS
Victor
Danes (Guthrum)
Forces
Guthrum's Danes c.2000–3000
Outcome
Alfred driven into the Somerset marshes; Wessex apparently conquered
The Battle

History & Significance

Guthrum surprise attack on Chippenham in January 878 nearly destroyed Wessex; Alfred fled to the Somerset marshes at Athelney, apparently the lowest point of the English kingdoms.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Viking Seizure of Chippenham

Moated Site and Fishponds east of Rowden Manor
Scheduled monument · ~0.9 miles
Roman site at Manor Farm
Scheduled monument · ~1.3 miles
Medieval settlement of Sheldon
Scheduled monument · ~2.1 miles
Lanhill Barrow: a long barrow 300m south of Sparrow Farm
Scheduled monument · ~2.6 miles
Dovecote at Manor Farm, Draycot Cerne
Scheduled monument · ~3 miles
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Battle of Aylesford
455
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Jutish Revolt — Battle at Aegelesthrep (Aylesford approach)
455
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Anglian Assault on Roman York (c.450-500 AD)
450
Yorkshire, England
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