THE BATTLE OF ETHANDUN (EDDINGTON) – VIKING INVASION
4TH OR 5TH MAY 878
SUMMARY
This was a battle fought between the Wessex Saxons and the Vikings
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BACKGROUND
In 872 Alfred had made a payment to the Viking Danes to keep them away from Wessex for five years. Once the five years were up the Vikings returned in force.
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LOCATION
Uncertain but possibly Eddington, Wiltshire, England
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ANGLO SAXONS
LED BY
Alfred
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VIKINGS
LED BY
Guthrum
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THE BATTLE
The Saxons defeated the Vikings and Guthrum was forced to sue for terms.
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RESULT
Saxon Victory
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CONSEQUENCE
Alfred negotiated a peace with Guthrum (Treaty of Wedmore). It was agreed that Guthrum and the Vikings would retreat to the north and Guthrum would be baptised and would then rule in the north. Because he was allowed to make his own laws this region was called the Danelaw.
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Source of images: pixabay.com
