Alfred's victory at Edington halted the Viking conquest of Wessex and set conditions for eventual English unification.
Key Facts
- Date
- May 878
- Victor
- West Saxon army of King Alfred the Great
- Defeated force
- Great Heathen Army under Guthrum
- Post-battle agreement
- Treaty of Wedmore
- Key term of peace
- Guthrum's baptism and withdrawal to East Anglia
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Sustained Danish incursions into Anglo-Saxon territory culminated in early 878 when Guthrum launched a surprise attack on Chippenham, forcing Alfred to flee into the marshes of Athelney. After a period of refuge, Alfred rallied local forces and marched to confront the Danish army.
In May 878, the West Saxon army under Alfred met Guthrum's Great Heathen Army near Edington in Wiltshire. Alfred secured a decisive victory on the battlefield, then pursued the Danes and laid siege to their fortified position until they surrendered.
Following the battle, Guthrum accepted terms including his Christian baptism, the withdrawal of Danish forces to East Anglia, and peace formalised through the Treaty of Wedmore. Wessex survived as an independent kingdom, and the Viking advance was halted, contributing to the eventual unification of England.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Alfred the Great.
Side B
1 belligerent
Guthrum.