Plans to tell story of local battle that helped shape England

New plans to help visitors discover the story of a major historic local battle are being developed by a new committee responsible for the memorial stone near Bratton Camp.

The Battle of Ethandun Memorial Stone Committee is planning a new information board and an educational leaflet explaining the significance of the battle, fought in 878 between King Alfred the Great and the Viking army led by Guthrum.

The battle, also known as the Battle of Edington, took place near Edington.

The committee, which acts as custodian of the memorial stone near Bratton Camp, hopes the information will help more people understand the battle’s importance and the part it played in English history.

Alfred’s victory came at a time when his kingdom of Wessex was under serious threat from Viking forces. Following the defeat, Guthrum submitted to Alfred and was baptised.

The victory helped secure the survival of Wessex and created the conditions for Alfred and his successors to strengthen their kingdom. The unification of England took place over subsequent generations, but the battle is regarded as an important turning point in that process.

Glyn Coy, who has recently taken over as chair of the committee, said its first responsibility was to care for the memorial stone and protect it for future generations.

He said, “But the stone represents a story of significance far beyond this part of Wiltshire. Alfred’s victory at Ethandun came at a moment when the survival of his kingdom was in serious doubt. What followed helped create the conditions from which Alfred and his successors were eventually able to build a unified England.

“That makes this much more than a local story. We have a nationally important event commemorated here in our own landscape, and we want more people to understand what happened and why it mattered.”

The proposed information board would be installed near the memorial, subject to the necessary permissions and consultation. The leaflet would be distributed through local venues and communities.

The committee is also exploring the possibility of a battle re-enactment in 2028, when the 1,150th anniversary of the Battle of Ethandun will be marked.

The committee is separate from the Edington-based group developing plans for wider anniversary commemorations, but hopes to support those efforts and work alongside the group where appropriate.

“Many people visit Bratton Camp and the Westbury White Horse without necessarily knowing the extraordinary history commemorated by the stone nearby,” said Glyn.

“There is a remarkable story here, set within a remarkable landscape. We want to make that story more visible and accessible, while ensuring that the memorial itself continues to be properly cared for.”