Invasion of Wessex
Guthrum launches a surprise midwinter attack at Chippenham and overruns much of Wessex.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
878 in England
Explore 28 historical events and records for England in 878.
Historical records for England in 878
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 28 of 28 unique records.
28Unique records
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17Named events on this page
2Named people on this page
12Places on this page
January
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
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
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.
Other events (month unknown)
Baptism
Guthrum is baptised at Aller after his surrender, with Alfred standing as his sponsor.
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
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.
Royal Authority
After defeating Guthrum, Alfred rebuilds royal authority across Wessex and restores confidence in his rule.
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.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.