The Viking surprise attack on Chippenham in January 878 temporarily seized most of Wessex, forcing Alfred the Great into exile before his eventual recovery.
Key Facts
- Date
- January 878
- Viking leaders
- Guthrum and Ubba
- Anglo-Saxon leader
- Alfred the Great
- Immediate result
- Vikings gained control over most of Wessex
- Alfred's refuge
- Athelney
- Following engagement
- Battle of Edington, May 878
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Guthrum and Ubba launched a coordinated strike on Wessex, breaking an earlier truce. Alfred was wintering at Chippenham without his assembled army, leaving him vulnerable to the surprise Viking offensive.
A Viking force under Guthrum and Ubba attacked Chippenham in January 878, routing the Anglo-Saxon position and compelling Alfred the Great to flee. The Vikings subsequently extended their control across most of Wessex.
After Ubba was defeated by Odda, Ealdorman of Devon, Alfred regrouped at Athelney, mustered his forces, and reclaimed Wessex at the Battle of Edington. Guthrum agreed to the Treaty of Wedmore and never attacked Wessex again. Alfred subsequently reformed the Wessex army to maintain a permanent standing force.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Alfred the Great.
Side B
1 belligerent
Guthrum, Ubba.