Egbert’s Stone and Ethandun, May 878
Egbert’s Stone and Ethandun, May 878The seven weeks between settling at Athelney and the mustering date saw an intensive message campaign, with messengers travelling as far afield as Hamwic and back. The response to Alfred’s well-couched appeal was encouraging, although it remained to be seen how many thegns would honour their word. King Alfred did not allow the Danes to approach anywhere near the Saxon causeway. Well-prepared scouts informed them of the enemy’s every move. Most Viking sorties aimed to gather food for the pagan army, now occupying the captured royal vill of Chippenham. Those straying too far south inevitably did not return as Deormund’s men intercepted and slaughtered them. Although mainly confined to Wiltshire and Somerset, the king’s
