The Battle of Edington: May 878

The Battle of Edington, fought in May 878, marked a decisive confrontation between the Anglo-Saxon forces of King Alfred the Great of Wessex and the Viking Great Heathen Army led by Guthrum. This battle was pivotal in the struggle for control of England during the late 9th century.

Context

In the 870s, the Viking forces, known as the Great Heathen Army, had launched extensive campaigns across England. Their campaign resulted in significant territorial gains, threatening the independence of the remaining Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. By early 878, Guthrum, a prominent Viking chieftain, mounted a surprise attack on Alfred’s winter stronghold at Chippenham, forcing the King to retreat into the marshes of Somerset where he conducted a guerrilla resistance.

The Battle

• Date: May 878
• Location: Edington, in present-day Wiltshire, southwest England

Alfred, having regrouped and gathered loyalist forces, confronted Guthrum’s army at Edington. The precise details of the battle are sparse. However, it is recorded that after a fierce engagement, Alfred’s army managed to break the Viking lines, compelling Guthrum’s forces to retreat. King Alfred’s tactical acumen and the reinvigorated morale of his troops were crucial in achieving this victory.

Aftermath

• Treaty of Wedmore: Following his victory, Alfred besieged Guthrum in his fortress, leading to a peace agreement known as the Treaty of Wedmore. Guthrum agreed to withdraw from Wessex and convert to Christianity, receiving baptism with Alfred as his sponsor. This accord established a boundary dividing England, with the Vikings ruling the north and east (the Danelaw), and Alfred exercising control over the southern and western territories.

• Significance: The victory at Edington was a turning point that secured Alfred’s realm, enabling the preservation and eventual expansion of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. It laid the groundwork for future English unification under Alfred’s successors. The battle cemented Alfred’s reputation as a resilient and strategic leader, earning him the title “Alfred the Great.”

The Battle of Edington is remembered as a critical moment in British history for its role in stemming Viking advances and reshaping the political landscape of medieval England.