6 January 878Invasion of WessexAlfred the Great
Guthrum launches a surprise midwinter attack at Chippenham and overruns much of Wessex.
Historical records for England in 878, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Guthrum launches a surprise midwinter attack at Chippenham and overruns much of Wessex.
Odda defeats a Viking force linked with Ubba, helping protect Alfred while he is based in the marshes.
Odda's victory at Cynwit destroys a Viking army threatening Alfred's position in the west.
Alfred builds a fortified base at Athelney and launches raids against the Danish occupation.
Alfred conducts guerrilla operations from Athelney before gathering his army for the Edington campaign.
Alfred defeated Guthrum at Edington and forced the Danish army to seek peace.
Alfred defeats Guthrum's Viking army at Edington after rallying forces from Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire.
Alfred defeats the Danes at Edington and forces Guthrum to negotiate peace.
Men from Hampshire join Alfred's army after he emerges from Athelney to confront Guthrum.
Alfred marches through Iley Oak after mustering his army before the Battle of Edington.
Men from Wiltshire rally to Alfred before the final advance against Guthrum at Edington.
The Danish army withdraws after defeat and submission, securing Alfred's immediate position in Wessex.
The siege ends with Danish capitulation and withdrawal from Wessex.
After Edington Alfred besieges Guthrum's force at Chippenham for about two weeks until the Danes sue for peace.
Guthrum's Danes surrender at Chippenham after Alfred's victory at Edington and subsequent siege.
The Danes retreat to Chippenham after Edington and surrender after Alfred besieges their stronghold.
Alfred requires Guthrum to give hostages, leave Wessex and accept Christian baptism.
Guthrum is baptised at Aller after his surrender, with Alfred standing as his sponsor.
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
Alfred flees to the stronghold of Athelney and the Somerset marshes after the Danish attack on Chippenham.
Alfred seeks refuge in the Isle of Athelney after the Danish surprise attack on Wessex.
Alfred hides from the Vikings in the marshes of Athelney in Somerset before rebuilding his army.
Alfred concluded a peace requiring Guthrum to leave Wessex and accept Christianity.
The settlement after Edington requires Guthrum to accept baptism and leave Wessex with his army.
After Edington Alfred uses peace to reorganise the army and strengthen the defence of Wessex.
After defeating Guthrum, Alfred rebuilds royal authority across Wessex and restores confidence in his rule.
After the Edington settlement the Danes agree to withdraw from Wessex and Alfred restores royal authority.
Guthrum accepts baptism and agrees to withdraw from Wessex, preparing the way for a later territorial settlement.
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