THE BATTLE OF WILTON – VIKING INVASION
LATE MAY 871
SUMMARY
This was a battle fought between the Wessex Saxons and the Vikings
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BACKGROUND
The Vikings had invaded England and taken Northumbria, East Anglia and Mercia. Wessex alone stood against the invaders. In January 871 the Vikings had taken Reading and made it their base.
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LOCATION
Wilton, near Salisbury, England
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ANGLO SAXONS
LED BY
Alfred
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VIKINGS
LED BY
Halfdan
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THE BATTLE
Alfred attacked and the Danes seemed to retreat. Alfred pursued the retreating Danes, but the retreat was a feint and the Vikings attacked the Saxons
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RESULT
Viking Victory
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CONSEQUENCE
Alfred was forced to make a payment to the Danes to make them leave Wessex alone.
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Source of images: pixabay.com
