Battle of Reading
Alfred and Aethelred are defeated by the Danes at Reading after the Viking army occupies the town.
Historical events in 871
25 historical records
January 87110 historical events
Battle of Reading
The Danes defeat Aethelred and Alfred at Reading before the West Saxon victory at Ashdown.
Battle of Ashdown
Leads an assault on 2 Danish Kings, Healfdene & Bagsecg. Kills King Bagsecg & drives away the "great army"
Death of Aethelred I
Kills King Bagsecg at the Battle of Ashdown
Great Army
Kills King Bagsecg & drives away the "great army"
Battle of Ashdown
Bagsecg fights Alfred and Aethelred at Ashdown and is killed during the West Saxon victory.
Death of Bagsecg
Bagsecg dies at the Battle of Ashdown as the Danes suffer defeat against Wessex.
Battle of Ashdown
Aethelred and Alfred defeat the Viking army at Ashdown after Alfred leads the West Saxon attack.
Battle of Ashdown
Alfred and Aethelred lead the West Saxons to victory over the Vikings at Ashdown.
Battle of Basing
The Danes defeat Aethelred and Alfred at Basing during the hard winter campaign against Wessex.
March 8711 historical events
Battle of Merton
The Vikings defeat Aethelred and Alfred at Merton, where Bishop Heahmund of Sherborne is killed.
April 8713 historical events
Succession
Alfred succeeded Aethelred during the struggle against the Danish army.
Kingship
Alfred begins ruling Wessex during a severe military crisis caused by renewed Viking attacks.
Succession
Alfred succeeds his brother Aethelred as King of Wessex during the Danish invasion.
May 8711 historical events
Battle of Wilton
Alfred fights the Danes at Wilton soon after becoming king, but the West Saxons are defeated after early success.
Peace with Wessex
Halfdan concluded a peace with Alfred after a year of costly campaigning in Wessex.
War Finance
Alfred has to balance military defence, tribute payments and royal authority during his first year as king.
Death of Aethelred I
Death of Aethelred I, killed at the Battle of Reading
Danelaw
King Aethelred dies and Alfred succeeds him as King of Wessex, however, his army is weak and he is forced to pay tribute to Ivar in order to make peace with the Danes
Invasion of England
King Aethelred dies and Alfred succeeds him as King of Wessex, however, his army is weak and he is forced to pay tribute to Ivar in order to make peace with the Danes
Battle of Merton
Defeated & killed in battle by the Danes
Battle of Reading
Killed at the Battle of Reading. A camp is set up & the Saxon army joins Aethelwulf but he is killed by the Danes
Viking Occupation of London
The Viking army withdraws from Wessex and winters in London while Mercia makes peace.
Battle of Merton
Dies fighting the Danes at the Battle of Merton
Capture of Bari
Louis & the Byzantines recapture Bari