33 
the Pagans with attacks. At length, in the seventh week after 
Easter, he set out to Egbright Stone, which is on the east side of 
Selwood Forest, called in the Latin language “ Magna Silva,” and 
in the British ‘Coit Maur, and there flocked to him all the 
inhabitants of Somersetshire and of Wiltshire, and all the 
inhabitants of Hampshire who had not sailed beyond the sea for fear 
of the Pagans. And when they beheld the King they very 
naturally received him with great tribulation as risen from the 
grave again, were filled with infinite joy, and there encamped for 
one night, and next morning they moved forward to a place called 
Ecglea, and there encamped also for one night, and next morning 
moved forward to a place called Ethandun, where he attacked the 
Danes with a compact phalanx, and after a long and obstinate 
combat obtained a complete victory over them, routed them with 
immense slaughter, and pursued the fugitives to their entrenched 
camp, putting everyone to the sword whom he overtook. All 
that he found without the entrenchment he seized, men, horses 
and other cattle, but instantly put the men to death and boldly 
encamped at the entrance of the entrenchment with all his army ; 
and when he had.remained there fourteen [days, the Pagans, 
pinched with cold and hunger, and broken with terror and 
distraction, sued for peace, and offered to give the King what 
hostages he pleased wihout expecting any from him.” 
Such is the account given by Asser of the celebrated battle 
which decided the fortunes of Alfred. Of its correctness and 
authenticity, says John Britton, there can be no doubt as it is 
corroborated by all contemporary and succeeding writers. Different 
conclusions have, however, been drawn from this simple statement, 
and different sites have been identified with Ethandun. 
Those who differ from the view which I am prepared to uphold, 
namely, that we have here the veritable Ethandun of Alfred, are, 
Milner, in his History of Winchester, who places the scene of 
action at Heddington, near Calne, and north of Round Way 
Down, and supposes Oldborough castle, near the road between 
