Battle of Basing facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Basing
Part of the Viking invasions of England
Date c. 22 January 871 Location Old Basing, Hampshire Result Viking victory
Belligerents
West Saxons	Danish Vikings
Commanders and leaders
Æthelred and Alfred

The Battle of Basing was an important fight between the Danish Vikings and the West Saxons. It happened around January 22, 871, near a royal estate called Old Basing in Hampshire, England. The Vikings won this battle.

What Was the Battle of Basing?

This battle was part of a bigger conflict when Vikings were invading England. In late 870, a large Viking army arrived in Wessex, which was a powerful Anglo-Saxon kingdom. They quickly took control of Reading.

The Viking Invasion Begins

After taking Reading, the Vikings faced the West Saxon army in several battles:

• The Battle of Englefield was a victory for the West Saxons.
• The Battle of Reading was a Viking victory.
• The Battle of Ashdown was a big win for the West Saxons.

King Æthelred and Alfred's Defeat

About two weeks after their victory at Ashdown, the West Saxon army faced the Vikings again at Basing. This time, King Æthelred and his younger brother, Alfred the Great (who would later become a famous king), led the West Saxons. Sadly, they were defeated by the Vikings at Basing.

After the Battle

After the Battle of Basing, there was a quiet period for about two months. Then, another major battle took place, known as the Battle of Meretun. The Vikings won this battle too. Soon after, King Æthelred died, and his brother Alfred became the new king of Wessex.

How We Know the Date

Historians can figure out the date of the Battle of Basing thanks to old records. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a very old historical book, mentions these events. It helps us know that the Battle of Basing happened about two months before the Battle of Meretun.