Battle of Ashdown – Part 1. Near Lowbury Hill, six tracks meet at Grid Reference SU 534820 where there is now a small wood. The Battle of Ashdown took place on 8 January, 871 in Berkshire. Despite taking a pounding, the Saxon morale rose before both sides shaped up around the hill at Ashdown. The Battle of Ashdown, was a West Saxon victory over a Danish Viking army on about 8 January 871.wikipedia. While Ashdown was a triumph for Wessex, the victory proved pyrrhic as the Danes defeated Ethelred and Alfred two weeks later at Basing, then again at Merton. The weather was cold and damp, and the Berkshire Downs were soaked and boggy. [6], The Battle of Ashdown can be dated because Bishop Heahmund of Sherborne died in the Battle of Meretun, and it is known that he died on 22 March 871. The Battle of Ashdown was fought on 8 January 871. King Ethelred divided his army in two, posi… Primary sources locate the battle at "Eðandun".Until a scholarly consensus linked the battle site with the present-day town of Edington in … Battle of Ashdown - 8 January 871 HISTORICAL NOTES In late 870, King Ethelred led the army of Wessex against the Danes in their stronghold at Reading. It would be great if you could support this project by purchasing a copy. He has appeared on The History Channel as a featured expert. The attack failed, and the Anglo-Saxons were forced to retreat while the Danes pursued. The Battle of Ashdown was fought January 8, 871, and was part of the Viking-Saxon Wars. Page 1 of 1 - About 10 essays. Though both armies were in place, neither appeared eager to open the battle. The 21-year-old Prince Alfred (later Alfred the Great, led the Saxon army of his elder brother, Ethelred of Wessex to victory in battle against an invading force of Vikings. The Battle of Ashdown in January 871 CE would prove Alfred's skill in military leadership and his ability to think clearly and act in a crisis. In do so, he has earned the title Alfred the Great but gaining such a title isn’t just that easy. Only two weeks later they were defeated at Basing (Hants) and then at Martin (Dors). When the West Saxons heard this from their scouts, they decided to copy the formation, with Æthelred facing the kings and Alfred the earls. The Danish armies caught up with the Anglo-Saxons on the field of Alfred's brother Aethelred died in one of the battles and Alfred was crowned king. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. Battle of Ashdown In 871, victory, but nearly cost Alfred his life, as Aethelred joined late after prayers. They suffered heavy losses, including King Bagsecg and five earls, Sidroc the Old, Sidroc the Younger, Osbern, Fræna, and Harold. The year 871 saw a number of battles take place between the Anglo-Saxons under King Ethered and Prince Alfred (later known as Alfred the Great).. By late 870, the Vikings under Halfdan Ragnarsson spurred on by their success in Northumbria, prepared to attack the southern Kingdom of Wessex. The victory at the Battle of Edington is probably the most famous moment of Alfred’s career, the story most retold in the histories of ninth century England. However, as the two month interval between Meretun and Basing is probably not exact, the earlier dates are approximate. Alfred Of Alfred The Great 989 Words | 4 Pages. Clashing near a lone, gnarled thorn tree, the two sides inflicted heavy casualties in the melee that ensued. THE BATTLE OF ASHDOWN Despite taking a pounding, the Saxon morale rose before both sides shaped up around the hill at Ashdown. Alfred the Great (a local lad from Wantage), then a prince of only 21, led the army of his brother, King Ethelred of Wessex, in a victorious battle against the invading Danes. Prince Alfred the Great, the brother of King Aethelred of Wessex, defeated the invading Danes under Halfdan Whiteshirt and Bagsecg. Attacking with his army, Ethelred was unable to break through the defenses and was driven from the field by the Danes. THE BATTLE OF ASHDOWN . paul on Battle of Ashdown – Part 1. Assessing the situation, Alfred realized that the Danes had occupied a superior position on higher ground. Battle of Ashdown - Alfred defeats the Danes Reading , Berkshire The 8th of January 871 AD Although the Battle of Ashdown was by no means decisive in the struggle against the Danes, it is important as demonstrating the ability of Alfred the Great , and as proof for the people of Wessex and beyond that the tide could be turned. 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