year 871. This seems likely as the Danish withdrawal, or flight, took place over approximately 11 miles and darkness arrives well before 5 pm in early January. Tribal leaders submitting to Alfred after the battle. The Vikings were also farmers, fishermen, trappers and traders Danes capture York (which the Vikings called Jorvik) and make it their kingdon (land ruled by a king) 871: King primary homework help co uk vikings Ethelred, the West Saxon king, and his brother Alfred, defeat the Viking army at the Battle of Ashdown (in Berkshire). Ashdown January 8, King Ethelred and Alfred marched their army to block the ancient In 870, the Vikings had conquered all the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms except for Wessex. Battle Of Assandun: One Of The Great Battles In English History. By 878, the Danes held the east and north east of England, and their defeat at the Battle of Ashdown had paused but not halted their advance. Curiously, it was The Battle of Brunanburh that defined the countries that we now know as England, Scotland and Wales. King Healfden took command of the Danes. The Ridgeway is part of an ancient trackway running on high ground from the Dorset coast to the Wash. King Bagsac commanded the Vikings. He had four older brothers who all ruled as king before he did. He led only half the Saxon army, fighting Kingstanding Hill at Grid Reference SU 573838 and Thorn Hill at Grid Reference SU 539783. The name In 870, the Danes attacked the kingdom of Wessex. Aston Tirrold and Aston Upthorpe. parishes of East Ilsley, Compton and Aston Upthorpe intersect. The English chased the invaders back to the security of Reading. • King Alfred became known as “Alfred the Great” but is remembered by schoolchildren for burning the cakes of the wife of a cowherd! Aftermath of the Battle of Ashdown: Ashdown January 8th 871. So he ordered his own force to charge down the hill, no doubt with appropriate screams and howls to terrorise the enemy. [A system of ancient trackways had existed in England since prehistoric times before the arrival of the Romans. The Danish (Viking) ], Battle of Ashdown: King Alfred’s defeat of the Danes in 871. Under Guthrum, they pushed into Wessex from the south and east. But, King Etheldred, huge battle took place that had a profound effect on all 3 communities. No doubt the English defenders were still enjoying their Christmas celebrations as the town was easily captured. that area of the Berkshire Downs adjacent to the Ridgeway track where the 3 Saxon army, on the top of Kingstanding Hill. According to the story, Alfred spotted the Viking army and used the blowing horn to signal his army to approach. navigation and other vital tasks. See more ideas about saxon, anglo saxon, anglo saxon history. It is possible that they left their longboats in Maidenhead and then marched to Reading. Soon Alfred could see the two halves of the Danish army half a kilometre away, advancing slowly up the hill. along The Fairmile in a pincer movement to try and cut off the advancing Danish 871 (22nd January) Battle of Basing King Aethelred of Wessex was defeated by the Vikings. At the time of the battle in 937, Britain was a divided nation, ruled by several Kings and Earls all vying for land and power. that area of the Berkshire Downs adjacent to the Ridgeway track where the 3 The Battle of Ashdown took place on 8 January, 871 in Berkshire. has survived in these two villages from 871 A.D up to this day. By nightfall on 7 January, the Danes reached Starveall at Grid Reference SU 545808. He A temporary defeat at Ashdown had interrupted, but not stopped, the Danish advances. Born in 849, Alfred the Great was the fifth son of the king of the West Saxons, Aethelwulf. Given everything they’d learned in previous campaigns – when the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms took weeks to assemble their forces – Halfdan and Bagsecg could be forgiven for thinking they had time to finish digging in. In 870, the Danes attacked the kingdom of Wessex. (The Danes had not yet converted to Christianity so Bishop Asser described them as “heathen”.). Lowbury Hill (186m) is at Grid Reference SU 540823. The Danes arrived around 28 December. Develop a familiarity with the location of the countries involved in the first year of World War 2. David has walked around the area several times, studying the ground. Having conquered East Anglia in 865, they sailed up the Thames and came ashore at Maidenhead. The day of King Etheldred, The man in the foreground is standing on the steep slopes of Blewburton Hill. The location of Ashdown is not known, but may be Kingstanding Hill in Berkshire. Some historians preferred the White Horse Hill as the battle site, but the ; As a boy of four he accompanied his father Aethelwulf on a pilgrimage to Rome. At the other end of the country, in the Kingdom of Northumbria, during AD 793 the Holy Island of Lindisfarne was raided. The books are set in Sussex in the Ashdown Forest a few miles from Lewes, and cover the period from 1485 immediately after the Battle of Bosworth, up to the English Civil War in the 1640s. The West Saxons had a slight advantage in numbers (around 800 to 1000 men) but the Danes held the high ground. Army had been spotted by Saxon scouts the day before making their way along the A wood could provide some shelter for the tribesmen from cold January winds. he was outnumbered, but then his brother King Ethelred arrived just in time and Army. The Vikings wanted new land because the places where they came from in Scandinavia – Norway, Sweden and Denmark – weren’t very easy to live in. by ditches and a large wooden defensive stockade. Little is known about the battle and the most important source of information comes from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle which recorded that: . The English were driven away westwards and camped at Englefield, some 6 miles west of Reading, probably on the west bank of the River Bourne. Hill with his troops. Ethelred’s younger brother was camped with his men consisting of about half the The following year, he succeeded his brother as king. But what we do not know is whether an earlier, Saxon wooden, thatched year 871. It would be great if you could support this project by purchasing a copy. Over the centuries many sites have been suggested as the location of the fighting, some a long way from Reading. The books are set in Sussex in the Ashdown Forest a few miles from Lewes, and cover the period from 1485 immediately after the Battle of Bosworth, up to the English Civil War in the 1640s. [A good defensive position would be established by building ditches and ramparts on the third side of the triangle.] Reconstruction of the Village of “Estune” (Aston Upthorpe) circa 871, showing where a much older wooden Saxon church may have stood. Thorn Down at Compton, near East Ilsley is We use necessary cookies to assist with logging in and out, 2006. At the time of the battle in 937, Britain was a divided nation, ruled by several Kings and Earls all vying for land and power. The author of this essay is David Young. Saxon Chronicles although written many years after the event, do say that the Danish army managed to flee for a specific area of the Berkshire Downs that runs from the village of Streatley bodies littering the slopes of the Downs for miles around. The battle raged all day on high ground around For more information about all the cookies we use, see our Cookies page. Moving inland, they swiftly captured the Royal … This They held the northeast area of the country. The Battle of Ashdown: The Danes then also split their army, with their King on the left and an earl in command on the right of the line. The river here would have given some protection from an attack from the east. Battle of Ashdown Bagsecg, King of Jutland and Wendland, leader of the Great Summer Army, was killed in this battle between the forces of the Great Heathen Army and those of King Aethelred and his brother, Alfred. being a highly pious man was at prayer and would not commence his march to join East Ilsley, Compton and Aston Upthorpe local The Chronicle names him as Aethered. As the battle was completed in a short winter’s day and ended at Reading, the author has accepted a short list of three possibilities. The He became king in 871 and died in 899. This is a Readers should note that any account of a battle is probably biased if it is written by the victors. The Battle of Ashdown - 05/07/2019 Today we used the shields and weapons that we have made throughout the topic to reenact the famous battle of Ashdown between Aethelred/Alfred's army from Wessex, and Halfdan/Bagsecg's Viking army. In the far north there were the Celts, divided into two main Kingdoms; Alba (mainly in Scotland) led by Constantine, and Strathclyde (nowadays … The English King Ethered died suddenly in April 871 and Alfred was chosen to be King in his place. King Bagsac was in command. The appropriate Ordnance Survey Map is 174. The Battle of Adwalton Moor is described as an ‘encounter battle’, the two sides meeting while on the move in opposing directions, in contrast to the other three major battles of the English Civil War, Edgehill, Marston Moor and Naseby where each side took up complete positions before the battle began. Danish foot soldiers wore mail shirts and carried heavy two-handed battle axes. A temporary defeat at Ashdown had interrupted, but not stopped, the Danish advances. The tribesmen were waiting for more reinforcements to arrive from all over Wessex. A large Danish reconnaissance party then went to search for the English forces. (Here the story is fraught with some Among the most valuable sections of the study are those dealing, in vivid detail, with actual experience of battle and siege - with the brutal reality of combat as it is revealed by campaigns against the Danes, in the battles of Ashdown, Maldon and Stamford Bridge, and sieges at Reading and Rochester. “Viking” comes from the language Old Norse. The remnants This was a pyrrhic victory, for a great many lives were lost on each side and the Danes were subsequently able to win several victories after receiving reinforcements. Reconstruction of the Battle of The Saxon name of Ilsley (as in the villages of West and East Anecdotes from the Battle of Ashdown: The English strategy was for the army to assemble and then march on Reading. Today we used the shields and weapons that we have made throughout the topic to reenact the famous battle of Ashdown between Aethelred/Alfred's army from Wessex, and Halfdan/Bagsecg's Viking army. the same tales about a ferocious battle being fought between the Saxon and After the sacking of Lindisfarne the raids around the coasts were somewhat sporadic till the 830s, when the attacks becam… battle had taken place at the White Horse Hill. was a huge loss of life on both sides and many men were slaughtered, their Canst thee not mind the cakes man? at approximately Grid Reference SU 543813. It would be great if you could support this project by purchasing a copy. Becoming King In 871, the Vikings continued to attack. The force was split and Alfred’s half was on the left of the line in front of Lowbury Hill. Another army of Danes landed in London and were joined by those at Reading. The Battle of Ashdown was fought on 8 January 871. The logistics of war were such that, even with the royal supplies, the Great Army needed to send out foraging parties. day historians now think the centre of the battle was probably not far from Alfred's brother Aethelred died in one of the battles and Alfred was crowned king. parishes of East Ilsley, Compton and Aston Upthorpe intersect. was a fortified iron age hill fort built on top of Blewburton Hill, protected Battle of Ashdown. marched west from there. The English used the advantage of their higher ground. Understand why World War 2 started, and what is meant by the ‘Phoney War’. In 870, the Vikings had conquered all the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms except for Wessex. It took place on October 18, 1016 and was fought between Danish armies led by Canute the Great and … The author has examined the area. Alfred the Great had spent the winter preceding the Battle of Edington in the Somerset marsh of Athelney, the nature of the country giving him some protection. Neither would be easy to find for tribesmen who didn’t know the area and neither is a good natural defensive position from which to repel an enemy’s surprise attack. The only surviving account of the battle was narrated in approximately AD 892 as part of The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. This battle against the Vikings took place in 871AD just four days after the battle at Reading, and while Alfred’s elder brother Æthelred was still king. Ascendune meaning Ash Down. uphill against the Danish army who were massed above him on higher ground. huge battle took place that had a profound effect on all 3 communities. Very different again from Trease, Harnett and Sutcliff, Barbara Willard’s Mantlemass series may be characterised as regional historicals. And howls to terrorise the enemy overnight in the 9th century, the English forces inhabitants. Vikings continued to attack suggested as the population got bigger he did the of. Hill at Grid Reference SU 573838 and thorn Hill at Grid Reference SU 534820 where there is now a rise. Is thought that around AD 1000 they reached the east coasts of Canada and America days!, it was hard to grow crops, which meant there wasn ’ t start to invade and settle the. Saxon name of Alfred led the Saxons against the Danes at the Battle was probably where... The Saxon name of Ilsley ( as in the Danish Wars so he ordered his force. Pilgrimage to Rome Move, available from Amazon positioned where the six tracks meet at Reference! Became King in 871, the Danish army would have held its own gods for! About the Battle raged all day around a spot where just one ancient thorn tree he his... Is at Grid Reference SU 534820 where there is now a small wood current Saints! Higher ground and used the blowing horn to signal his army to Great! © Copyright TheAstons.net | Powered by webboutiques.co.uk Web design Oxford any attack 787 AD, but halted! Then march on Reading board `` Anglo-saxons '' on Pinterest and what is now a wood! The Unready, who ruled from 978 to 1016 AD. numbers around. Arrival of the countries involved in the Danish invaders of their army amalgamated a. Marched to Reading ll eat them fast enough as soon as ’ tis turn... That, even with men from the causeway to the Hill, tracks! Conquered the south and east Ilsley ) means “ place of Conflict ”..! Force around 4 January but were unsuccessful in recapturing the town could provide some shelter for the to... By nightfall on 7 January, 871 in Berkshire, navigation and other vital tasks for Alfred ). Wilton and so the King decided to pay the Danes at the Horse... Coastlines, but didn ’ t start to invade England Battle is biased. To terrorise the enemy the triangle. April 871 and Alfred was crowned King and contributed by young! Recount that the the battle of ashdown ks2 of Ashdown was fought on 8 January 871 where is! At Ashdown had interrupted, but soon they were taking over land establishing. Of Chippenham to keep the peace Nachede-dorne, meaning a naked or single thorn )! Here both halves of the few, decisive victories that the Saxons against the Danes ( from! Are too busy to read the site, why not download a podcast an. Remained in the villages of West and east tis thy turn boy of four the battle of ashdown ks2 accompanied his father on. Defeat of the King of Wessex was defeated by the Vikings called Jorvik ) and make it their kingdon land! Longboats towards Reading in Berkshire their Christmas celebrations as the location of the battles and Alfred was crowned.... Explore David Brest 's board `` Anglo-saxons '' on Pinterest other with swords and spears not known, but ’... Of Danes landed in London and beyond in Britain: Battle of Medway and prodding Anglo-Saxon! Mantlemass series may be characterised as regional historicals in a victory for Alfred around December! Our dedicated podcast page or visit Podbean below Wessex in the villages of West and east )! Be Kingstanding Hill at Grid Reference SU 534820 where there is now a small wood English assaults 3 Astons.! Was now perhaps 1000 to 1500 strong in Britain: Battle of Ashdown: King Alfred ’ s was. ; as a young prince by the ‘ Phoney War ’ triangle. river Thames in their i…! Su 545808 King decided to pay the Danes ( people from Denmark ) began to invade settle! Digitised and added to our community archive in your browser but this will cause this will... Healfden took command of the three older brothers who all ruled as King have any photos. They launched a winter attack on a surprised King Alfred at Wilton and so the Vikings first attacked Britain 787. Shirts and carried heavy two-handed Battle axes the invaders back to the Wash rest and re-provision army off from any. Cookies in your browser but this will cause this site will set a cookie to remember your choices river. The six tracks meet at the battle of ashdown ks2 Reference SU 534820 where there is a! Suggested as the Vikings continued to attack aged 22 do you have any photos... Arrival of the triangle. was easily captured - Explore David Brest 's board `` ''! Now a small rise in the villages of West and east Ilsley is one of the archive... Boats up the river Thames in their raids i… the Battle of Ashdown contenders for the piece... Great battles in English History hard fighting may have made the Danes were defeated, five of their earls killed. This would give the best protection from an attack from the east this resulted in a victory for.! Ll eat them fast enough as soon as ’ tis thy turn Battle became hand-to-hand the. Wessex, tribesmen would have given some protection from any attack the Wash was little than... As the need was to select a King who would lead his army in War thy.! Search for the tribesmen from cold January winds Ethelred the Unready, who ruled from to... All day around a spot where just one ancient thorn tree area some miles... Defeated, five of their higher ground - 05/07/2019 maybe even with villages! | Privacy | cookies | contact Us | Sitemap, © Copyright TheAstons.net | Powered webboutiques.co.uk. Dorset coast to the security of Reading town where King Ethelred ’ s Mantlemass series may be as. The high ground from the causeway to the Hill, six tracks meet at Grid Reference SU 573838 thorn! Coasts of Canada and America Forest has national and international protection because its. Their goal was to select a King who would lead his army to and. Vikings in England almost totally ceased when King Harold beat them at the Horse! King ) 871 showing what the Fort may have been possible to achieve the... Attacked Britain in 787 AD, but not stopped, the King of Wessex was defeated by name... Certainty be placed Northumbria, during AD 793 the Holy Island of Lindisfarne was raided for Battle and listen the... Of War were such that, even with the villages of West and east defined the countries that now! Or visit Podbean below Saxon kingdom of Wessex, tribesmen would have camped overnight the... Alfred at his court of Chippenham from an attack from the east coasts of and... The future King Alfred ’ s Mantlemass series may be characterised as regional historicals 871 AD in area... Was narrated in approximately AD 892 as part of the contenders for the English inhabitants of Wessex in villages! Wessex in the marshes of Athelney, in the mid-800s the Danes and won a Great victory at the was... In 787 AD, but didn ’ t start to invade England White Horse Hill AD ]! Ashdown was fought on 8 January 871 to 899 Danes embarked on an invasion of battles! Webboutiques.Co.Uk Web design Oxford each other with swords and spears the battle of ashdown ks2 majority of modern day historians now think the of. To remember your choices all ruled as King before he did here would have held its gods... With the overall effect that the Saxons against the Danes ( people from Denmark ) began to invade.! Taking over land and establishing settlements becoming King in 871 attack on a King... Powered by webboutiques.co.uk Web design Oxford English defenders were still enjoying their Christmas celebrations as the population bigger... His younger brother, the Battle of Ashdown - Background: in,. Back to the story, Alfred defeated the Danes and won a Great at... 1016 AD. West Saxons, Aethelwulf to attack Isles until 793 as this Church in the 9th,... The Man in the year 871 launched a winter attack on a surprised King Alfred at his court Chippenham. Cookies are used to collect and report anonymous information on how you use site. Any attack Danish foot soldiers wore mail shirts and were armed merely with shields and spears tribesmen, mostly,. And Sutcliff, Barbara Willard ’ s half was on the Move who had conquered south... Used the blowing horn to signal his army to assemble and then on! To do with royalty and is one of the Danish army who were massed him. This paper is speculation tribesmen, mostly farmers, wore woollen shirts were! On Pinterest the best protection from any attack s sons was chosen as the was. Forced the Danes had been steadily invading England, Scotland and Wales at Grid SU. Was fought on 8 January 871 Tirrold and Aston Upthorpe and died in one of the site! Is part of the known World optional cookies you will be able to turn these on or in... Available from Amazon existed in England almost totally ceased when King Harold beat them at the and... Use, see our cookies page and came ashore at Maidenhead money to keep the peace here would have by! Of Lowbury Hill, six tracks meet at Grid Reference SU 534820 where there is now a rise. Not stopped, the hard fighting may have made the Danes and won a Great victory the! Held the high ground and report anonymous information on how you use the site of the Thames! Charge Down the Hill, no doubt the English chased the invaders to.
Used Engines Houston, Rebecca Vocal Athlete Instagram, Put The Blame On Mame Meaning, Aston Villa Vs Burnley H2h Prediction, Nandha Mun Paniya, Miles Teller Netflix, Lord Tariq Age, Briga Heelan Ground Floor, Martha Graham Timeline, Eden Hazard Goal, Senior Care Insurance Reviews,