Battle of Aclea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Aclea |
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| Part of the Viking invasions of England | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Kingdom of Wessex | Kingdom of Denmark | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Æthelwulf | Unknown | ||||||
The Battle of Aclea was an important fight in 851 AD. It happened between the West Saxons, led by their King Æthelwulf, and a large group of Danish Vikings. The battle took place somewhere in Surrey, England, possibly near a village called Ockley. The West Saxons won a big victory against the Vikings that day.
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What Was the Battle of Aclea?
The Battle of Aclea was a major clash in 851 AD. It was part of the many Viking invasions happening in England at that time. The West Saxons, who lived in the Kingdom of Wessex, fought against a large Viking army from Denmark.
Who Fought in the Battle?
On one side were the West Saxons. Their brave leader was King Æthelwulf. His son, Æthelbald, also fought alongside him. On the other side were the Danish Vikings. Their leader is not known today. The battle ended with a clear victory for the West Saxons.
Where Did the Battle Happen?
The exact place where the Battle of Aclea happened is a bit of a mystery. Historians believe it was in Surrey, England. One strong guess is the village of Ockley.
The name "Aclea" means "Oak Field." This name might have changed over time to places like Oakley or Ockley.
Why Ockley is a Possible Location
Imagine the Vikings sailing up the River Thames. They stormed important cities like Canterbury and London. After that, they crossed the Thames and headed south into Surrey.
If the Vikings followed an old Roman road called Stane Street (Chichester) from London, they would have passed through a gap in the North Downs hills. This path would lead them through Dorking. If the West Saxon army was coming north along the same road, then Ockley would be a logical place for the two armies to meet and fight.
What We Know From History
Most of what we know about the Battle of Aclea comes from a very old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This book was written long ago and tells us about events in early English history.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle's Story
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells us that a huge Viking fleet arrived. It had about 350 ships! These Vikings attacked Canterbury and London. They even made Beorhtwulf, the King of Mercia, and his army run away.
After their attacks, the Vikings moved south into Surrey. That's when King Æthelwulf and his son Æthelbald, with the West Saxon army, met them at Aclea. The Chronicle says they caused "the greatest slaughter of a heathen raiding-army that we have heard tell of up to the present day." This means the West Saxons won a huge victory.
