The Resistance: Alfred and the Danelaw · Spring Term

The Battle of Edington and the Treaty

Analysing the decisive victory over Guthrum and the creation of the Danelaw.

About This Topic

The Battle of Edington in AD 878 was the most important military victory in Alfred the Great's reign. By defeating the Viking leader Guthrum, Alfred saved Wessex from total conquest and forced the Vikings to the negotiating table. The resulting Treaty of Wedmore led to the creation of the 'Danelaw', a boundary dividing England into an Anglo-Saxon south and west, and a Viking-controlled north and east.

For Year 5 students, this topic is essential for understanding how the map of England was reshaped. It also introduces the concept of diplomacy, as Alfred used Guthrum's baptism as a way to create a lasting, if uneasy, peace. This connects to National Curriculum targets for military history and the struggle for the kingdom. Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, as they debate the terms of the treaty and its long-term impact on English culture.

Learning Objectives

• Evaluate the significance of the Battle of Edington as a turning point in Anglo-Saxon and Viking relations.
• Explain the key terms and territorial divisions established by the Treaty of Wedmore.
• Analyze the cultural and legal differences between the Danelaw and the Anglo-Saxon controlled regions.
• Compare the military strategies employed by Alfred the Great and Guthrum at Edington.

Before You Start

Viking Raids and Settlements in Britain

Why: Students need a foundational understanding of Viking presence and activities in Britain before analyzing a major conflict and its resolution.

The Kingdom of Wessex and Alfred the Great

Why: Familiarity with Alfred the Great's role and the political landscape of Wessex is necessary to understand his motivations and the stakes of the battle.

Key Vocabulary

Danelaw	A historical region in England where Viking law and customs were dominant, established after the Treaty of Wedmore.
Treaty of Wedmore	An agreement made in AD 878 between Alfred the Great and Guthrum, which formally divided England and led to the creation of the Danelaw.
Viking Age	A period in European history, roughly from the late 8th to the mid-11th century, characterized by Norse exploration, raids, and settlement.
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle	A collection of annals recording the history of the Anglo-Saxons, providing valuable contemporary accounts of events like the Battle of Edington.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Shield Wall

Use PE mats or cardboard shields to demonstrate the 'shield wall' tactic used at Edington. Students work in two groups (Saxons and Vikings) to see how difficult it is to break a solid line of shields. They then discuss why discipline and teamwork were more important than individual strength.

⏱ 40 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The Treaty of Wedmore

Provide groups with a map of England and the 'terms' of the treaty (e.g., Guthrum must become Christian, the boundary will follow the old Roman road of Watling Street). Students draw the boundary on their maps and discuss who 'won' the treaty, Alfred or Guthrum.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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Think-Pair-Share: Why did Guthrum agree to be baptised?

Students reflect on why a Viking leader would agree to change his religion after losing a battle. They discuss in pairs, considering reasons like making peace, gaining Alfred as a 'godfather', or political survival, and then share their ideas with the class.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

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Real-World Connections

Modern border disputes and peace treaties, such as those between countries in Europe or Asia, often involve complex negotiations and territorial divisions, similar to the Treaty of Wedmore.

Historians and archaeologists, like those working at the Museum of London Archaeology, analyze historical documents and artifacts to understand the impact of cultural interactions and invasions on society, much like we study the Danelaw.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Battle of Edington kicked all the Vikings out of England.

What to Teach Instead

It only stopped them from taking over Wessex. The Vikings stayed in the north and east (the Danelaw) for many more years. A 'before and after' map activity helps students see that the battle created a divided country, not a fully English one.

Common Misconception

The 'Danelaw' was a wall like Hadrian's Wall.

What to Teach Instead

It was a legal and cultural boundary, not a physical wall. People still crossed it to trade, but they had to follow different laws depending on which side they were on. Peer discussion about 'invisible borders' (like county lines today) helps students understand this concept.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are a scribe in Wessex in AD 879. Write a short diary entry explaining why the Battle of Edington and the subsequent treaty were crucial for the survival of your kingdom.' Encourage students to reference specific outcomes of the battle and treaty.

Quick Check

Provide students with a map of England. Ask them to draw a line representing the approximate boundary of the Danelaw. Then, have them label three key differences in culture or law that might have existed between the two regions.

Peer Assessment

Students work in pairs to create a T-chart comparing the advantages and disadvantages for both the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings resulting from the Treaty of Wedmore. Partners review each other's charts, checking for at least two distinct points in each category and offering one suggestion for improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'Danelaw'?

The Danelaw was the part of England (the north and east) where the laws of the Danes (Vikings) were followed instead of Anglo-Saxon laws. It was created after the Treaty of Wedmore. Even today, you can see the influence of the Danelaw in the many place names ending in '-by' or '-thorpe' in those regions.

Why was the shield wall so important at Edington?

The shield wall was the main way both Saxons and Vikings fought. Soldiers stood close together with their shields overlapping to create a 'wall' of wood and iron. At Edington, Alfred's army held their wall so well that the Vikings couldn't break through, eventually causing them to tire and retreat.

How can active learning help students understand the Treaty of Wedmore?

Active learning, like the 'Treaty Negotiation' activity, helps students see that history isn't just about fighting, it's about finding ways to live together. By looking at the map and drawing the Danelaw line themselves, they understand the *consequences* of the battle, making the political outcome as exciting as the military one.

Did Alfred and Guthrum become friends?

They probably weren't 'friends' in the modern sense, but they did become 'allies'. Alfred acted as Guthrum's godfather during his baptism, which in those days created a very strong family-like bond. This helped keep the peace for several years because it was considered a great sin to fight against your own godfather.