Chippenham, Athelney, Edington and Wedmore

Alfred and his retinue were celebrating Christmas at Chippenham in 877 when they surprised by Guthrum and his Viking army. To escape this threat Alfred retreated to Athelney (in the Somerset Levels) where he established a defended centre. It is around this time that the alleged 'burning of the cakes' took place. The Vikings, meanwhile, remained in Chippenham.

Late in the spring of 878 Alfred left Athelney and rode to Ecgbryhtesstan (the exact location of this place is not known). On arrival here he summoned the levies (armies) of Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire and then marched to confront Guthrum. This confrontation took place at Edington and the result of the battle was a comprehensive victory for the men of Wessex.

Following defeat at Edington, the Vikings under Guthrum retreated to Chippenham where they had fortified the island on which the current Church now stands. Alfred and his army starved the Vikings into submission through a two week seige. Guthrum and Alfred then reached an agreement to let the remaining Vikings go provided that Guthrum and his key commanders were baptised, and that the Vikings left Wessex. Guthrum was duly baptised (at Aller near Athelney) and took the name Athelstan. A few days later the ceremonial removal of hisbaptismal garments took place at Wedmore from which the treaty took its name.

As part of this 'Treaty of Wedmore' the Danes we given permission to settle in the eastern parts of England and place them under Danish Law. The result of this has become known in history as the Danelaw.

With a few exceptions (see London) this treaty was observed for the remainder of Alfred's life.