Invasion of Wessex
Guthrum launches a surprise midwinter attack on Alfred at Chippenham.
Historical events in 878
60 historical records
January 87812 historical events
Occupation of Chippenham
Guthrum surprises Alfred at Chippenham and forces the West Saxon king into temporary refuge.
Capture of Chippenham
Guthrum surprised Alfred at Chippenham and temporarily overran much of Wessex.
Invasion of Wessex
Guthrum launches a surprise midwinter attack at Chippenham and overruns much of Wessex.
Battle of Cynwit
The Viking force waits below the stronghold, expecting hunger and thirst to force the West Saxons to surrender.
Battle of Cynwit
Odda defeats a Viking force linked with Ubba, and many Vikings are killed during the west-country campaign.
Battle of Cynwit
Ubba lands with a Viking force in western Wessex while Alfred is still recovering from the Danish attack on Chippenham.
Death of Ubba
Ubba is killed when Odda's West Saxons break out from the hillfort and overwhelm the Viking besiegers.
Raven Banner
Odda's men capture the Viking raven banner after killing Ubba and many of his warriors at Cynwit.
Siege of Cynwit
Ubba's army besieges a West Saxon stronghold after finding Odda's men positioned in a defensible hillfort.
Battle of Cynwit
Odda defeats a Viking force linked with Ubba, helping protect Alfred while he is based in the marshes.
Battle of Cynwit
Odda's victory at Cynwit destroys a Viking army threatening Alfred's position in the west.
April 8782 historical events
Athelney
Alfred builds a fortified base at Athelney and launches raids against the Danish occupation.
Battle of Edington
Alfred conducts guerrilla operations from Athelney before gathering his army for the Edington campaign.
May 87824 historical events
Battle of Edington
Guthrum is defeated by Alfred at Edington and retreats to Chippenham.
Battle of Edington
Guthrum's shield wall is broken by Alfred's army during the decisive West Saxon victory at Edington.
Battle of Edington
Guthrum faces Alfred's rallied West Saxon army after Alfred gathers forces from Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Great Heathen Army
Guthrum's army is defeated by Alfred at Edington, ending the major Wessex campaign of the Great Heathen Army.
Hostages
Guthrum gives hostages to Alfred as part of the terms imposed after the Danish surrender.
Result of Surrender of Guthrum and the Danish Army
Guthrum accepts baptism, hostages and withdrawal, ending the immediate Danish campaign against Wessex.
Retreat from Hampshire
After Edington Guthrum loses the initiative as men from Hampshire rally to Alfred.
Retreat from Wiltshire
After Edington Guthrum's army retreats through Wiltshire toward Chippenham.
Retreat to Chippenham
Guthrum retreats to Chippenham with the remains of his army after defeat at Edington.
Siege of Chippenham
After defeat at Edington Guthrum is besieged at Chippenham and forced to surrender.
Siege of Chippenham
Guthrum is besieged by Alfred after Edington and is forced to negotiate surrender terms.
Surrender of Guthrum and the Danish Army
Guthrum surrenders after the post-Edington siege and agrees to baptism, hostages and withdrawal from Wessex.
Battle of Edington
Alfred defeated Guthrum at Edington and forced the Danish army to seek peace.
Battle of Edington
Alfred defeats Guthrum's Viking army at Edington after rallying forces from Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Battle of Edington
Alfred defeats the Danes at Edington and forces Guthrum to negotiate peace.
Muster
Men from Hampshire join Alfred's army after he emerges from Athelney to confront Guthrum.
Muster
Alfred marches through Iley Oak after mustering his army before the Battle of Edington.
Muster
Men from Wiltshire rally to Alfred before the final advance against Guthrum at Edington.
Result of Surrender of Guthrum's Danes
The Danish army withdraws after defeat and submission, securing Alfred's immediate position in Wessex.
Result of Surrender of Guthrum's Danes
The siege ends with Danish capitulation and withdrawal from Wessex.
Siege of Chippenham
After Edington Alfred besieges Guthrum's force at Chippenham for about two weeks until the Danes sue for peace.
Surrender of Guthrum's Danes
Guthrum's Danes surrender at Chippenham after Alfred's victory at Edington and subsequent siege.
Surrender of Guthrum's Danes
The Danes retreat to Chippenham after Edington and surrender after Alfred besieges their stronghold.
Terms of Surrender
Alfred requires Guthrum to give hostages, leave Wessex and accept Christian baptism.
Baptism
Guthrum accepts Christian baptism after his surrender, with Alfred standing as his sponsor.
Conversion
Guthrum's conversion is confirmed as part of the post-Edington settlement with Alfred.
Invasion of England
Guthrum leads the Danish invasion that threatens the survival of Alfred's kingdom.
Settlement
After Edington Guthrum agrees to leave Wessex, opening the way for a later territorial settlement.
Treaty of Wedmore
Guthrum accepts baptism and agrees to withdraw from Wessex under the settlement following Edington.
Royal Authority
After defeating Guthrum, Alfred rebuilds royal authority across Wessex and restores confidence in his rule.
Battle of Countisbury Hill
Odda stops Guthrum attacking Alfred at Athelney. Odda defeats Guthrun at Countisbury Hill, over 800 Vikings are killed. After Oddas victory Alfred raises troops from Somerset, Hampshire & Wiltshire
Baptism
Guthrum is baptised at Aller after his surrender, with Alfred standing as his sponsor.
Exile of Alfred the Great
Alfred flees to the stronghold of Athelney and the Somerset marshes after the Danish attack on Chippenham.
Exile of Alfred the Great
Alfred seeks refuge in the Isle of Athelney after the Danish surprise attack on Wessex.
Exile of Alfred the Great
Alfred hides from the Vikings in the marshes of Athelney in Somerset before rebuilding his army.
Peace of Wedmore
Alfred concluded a peace requiring Guthrum to leave Wessex and accept Christianity.
Peace of Wedmore
The settlement after Edington requires Guthrum to accept baptism and leave Wessex with his army.
Reform of Armed Forces
After Edington Alfred uses peace to reorganise the army and strengthen the defence of Wessex.
Rule of Wessex
After the Edington settlement the Danes agree to withdraw from Wessex and Alfred restores royal authority.
Treaty of Wedmore
Guthrum accepts baptism and agrees to withdraw from Wessex, preparing the way for a later territorial settlement.
Council of Troyes
Pope John VIII requests help but Louis II the Stammerer is too weak to respond
Death of Father Aed
Constantine's father, King Áed, is killed in 878, leaving Constantine as a young member of a dynasty marked by contested succession.
Succession
Succeeds as King of Scotia
Succession
Succeeds as Prince of Wales
Rule of Ceredington
Extends his Kingdom to include Ceredington
Rule of Powys
Extends his Kingdom to include Powys