BattlefieldsAlfred Musters Somerset Fyrd at Egbert Stone 878
Early Medieval

Alfred Musters Somerset Fyrd at Egbert Stone 878

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

Who Fought

Defeated
Not applicable
Forces
no opposition; mobilization
VS
Victor
West Saxons
Forces
Somerset/Wiltshire fyrd c.3000–5000
Outcome
Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire levies assembled; Alfred's authority reaffirmed; army ready for the decisive march to Edington
The Battle

History & Significance

After months of guerrilla resistance from Athelney, Alfred emerged in May 878 and sent word to the Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire fyrds to muster at Egbert Stone, east of Selwood Forest. The Chronicle records that when they heard this they were filled with joy. The assembly demonstrated continued West Saxon loyalty despite the apparent collapse of 878. Alfred spent the night at Iley Oak before marching to Edington.

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