Battle of Edington
878 CE · Edington (Wiltshire, modern England) · World · Medieval
Alfred regrouped and launched a surprise attack on the Danish army's camp; Guthrum, defeated, sued for peace and accepted baptism.
Belligerents
Kingdom of Wessex
- Commanders
- Alfred the Great
- Strength
- Wessex army
Great Heathen Army (Danish Vikings)
- Commanders
- Guthrum
- Strength
- Danish army
Background
The Danish "Great Heathen Army" had already conquered most of northeastern England, and Alfred was for a time forced to retreat into the marshes to wage guerrilla warfare.
Course of the battle
- MusteringFrom his hiding place in the marshes, Alfred summoned the levies of the shires.
- Decisive battleThe Wessex army routed the Danish army head-on at Edington.
- ConversionGuthrum fell back to his camp with the remnants of his army, then surrendered and was baptized.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 878 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Edington (present-day Wiltshire, England) |
| Result | Alfred regrouped and launched a surprise attack on the Danish army's camp; Guthrum, defeated, sued for peace and accepted baptism. |
| Winner | Kingdom of Wessex |
| Casualties | The Danish army was routed with heavy casualties; its remnants withdrew into their fortified camp and then surrendered. |
| Territorial change | Wessex preserved the independence of southern England, and the two sides drew the boundary of the Danelaw. |
Impact
Southern England kept its independence, and Wessex would later become the core of a unified England.
See the world in 878 on the map →