The History Chap Podcast

182: The Battle of Ashdown, 871 - Alfred The Great's First Victory

Chris Green

Send me a message

In early 871, Wessex stood on the brink. The Great Heathen Army—an alliance of Viking warriors—had already devastated Northumbria and East Anglia, and now turned its full fury toward the last unconquered Anglo-Saxon kingdom. After a Viking victory at the Battle of Reading, King Æthelred of Wessex and his younger brother, Prince Alfred—later known as Alfred the Great—rallied their forces for a decisive counterstrike.

Become A Patron

Make A Donation

Support the show