Battle of Englefield facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Englefield
Part of the Viking invasions of England
A page in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describing the Battle of Englefield
Date About 31 December 870 Location Englefield, Berkshire Result Saxon Victory
Belligerents
Wessex	Denmark
Commanders and leaders
Æthelwulf of Berkshire	Two Earls

The Battle of Englefield was an important fight where the West Saxons won against a Viking army from Denmark. It happened around December 31, 870, in a place called Englefield, close to Reading in Berkshire. This battle was the very first in a series of fights after the Danish army invaded Wessex in late 870.

Vikings Invade England

By the year 870, the Viking armies had already taken over two of the four main Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in England. These were Northumbria and East Anglia. The Vikings were powerful warriors from Scandinavia.

The Danish Plan

At the end of 870, the Danish Vikings decided to try and conquer the last major Anglo-Saxon kingdom, Wessex. They marched all the way from East Anglia. Their goal was to reach Reading, which they did around December 28.

The Battle of Englefield

Just three days after arriving in Reading, the Danish Vikings sent out a large group of their soldiers. These soldiers were led by two of their important commanders, known as "earls." Their job was to find food and scout the area.

Æthelwulf's Stand

However, this Viking group was met by an army of local fighters. These fighters were from the area and were led by Æthelwulf. He was the Ealdorman (a high-ranking official) of Berkshire. The two armies clashed at Englefield.

Saxon Victory

During the battle, one of the Viking earls was killed. A large part of the Danish army was defeated. The remaining Viking soldiers broke ranks and ran away. This was a clear victory for the West Saxons.

After the Battle

The joy of winning at Englefield did not last long for the West Saxons. Just four days later, the main West Saxon army attacked the Vikings. This larger army was led by King Ethelred and his younger brother, Alfred the Great.

Battle of Reading

They attacked the main Danish camp at Reading. However, the West Saxons were badly beaten in this fight, known as the Battle of Reading. Many soldiers from both sides died. Sadly, Æthelwulf, the hero of Englefield, was among those who died.

More Battles Follow

After Reading, more battles took place. These included the Battle of Ashdown, which was another West Saxon victory. Then came the Battle of Meretun, where the Danes won. Soon after Easter, which was on April 15 that year, King Æthelred died. His brother Alfred then became the new king.

Dating the Battle

Historians can figure out when the Battle of Englefield happened because of some important records. Bishop Heahmund of Sherborne died in the Battle of Meretun. We know he died on March 22, 871.

Chronicle Records

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is an old historical record. It states that the Battle of Basing happened two months before Meretun. This would make Basing around January 22. Ashdown was fourteen days before Basing, so around January 8. Reading was four days before Ashdown, around January 4. Englefield was another four days before Reading, placing it around December 31, 870. The Vikings arrived in Reading three days before Englefield, on December 28.

Approximate Dates

However, the two-month gap between Meretun and Basing might not be perfectly exact. This means the earlier dates, including the date for Englefield, are close estimates.