Battle of Reading (871) facts for kids
The Battle of Reading was an important fight that happened in 871. It took place in a town called Reading in England. This battle was part of a bigger struggle between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons from a kingdom called Wessex.
The Vikings, also known as Danes, had a very large army. Their leaders were Bagsecg and Halfdan Ragnarsson. They wanted to take over Wessex. The Anglo-Saxon army of Wessex was led by King Athelred of Wessex and his brave brother, Alfred.
We know about this battle and the whole war from an old book called the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This book is the first time the town of Reading is ever mentioned in writing!
Contents
The Viking Camp at Reading
Before the main battle, the Vikings set up a strong camp in Reading. This camp was very well protected by nature.
- The River Thames and the River Kennet flowed along two sides of the camp, making it hard to attack.
- On the third side, the Vikings built a large wall or rampart to defend themselves.
First Fight at Englefield
Just three days after the Vikings arrived, some of their soldiers rode out from Reading. They went towards a nearby place called Englefield. There, they met a group of West Saxon fighters. These Saxons were led by a local leader named Ealdorman Athelwulf.
In this first fight, called the Battle of Englefield, the Saxons won! Many Vikings were killed, and the rest had to run back to their camp in Reading.
The Main Battle Begins
Four days later, Ealdorman Athelwulf's group joined up with the main West Saxon army. This big army was led by King Athelred and his brother, Alfred. Together, the entire Saxon force marched towards Reading to attack the Viking camp.
However, the Battle of Reading did not go well for the Saxons. The Vikings fought hard and defeated the Wessex army. The Saxons were forced to retreat. Sadly, Ealdorman Athelwulf, who had won the first small battle, was killed during this fight.
Related pages
Images for kids
-
A depiction of Alfred the Great
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Reading (871) para niños
