First Battle of Alton

Between 991 and 1005 Danish attacks on England escalated from small isolated raids to massed attacks by larger forces. The Danes ravaged the countryside, demanding huge tributes (Danegeld) from Æthelred, the Anglo-Saxon king. However, the attacks continued and their plunder and pillage tactics, combined with a rapid march strategy brought them as far as Æthelingadene. ==The battle==

It began with the arrival of the Viking fleet off the Sussex coast, which then proceeded to "Æthelingadene", where the men of Hampshire united to fight against them. An indication of the severity of the English casualty list is given by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle that cites the total English losses as 81, it included two high-reeves and three thegns, this was compared, to 'a much greater number' lost by the Danes. However, the Danes managed to win the field and advance further west, while the Anglo-Saxons retreated to Winchester. ==Consequences==

The First Battle of Alton failed to stop the Danish Army. By 1009, this fleet was ready, and was sent to Sandwich to defend the land against attacking forces. ==Placename==

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records the battle as being at Æthelingadene. Ingas is a settlement of people associated with a common leader and Dene is derived from denu the name for valley. Therefore, the place-name Æthelinga-dene refers to the valley associated with Æthelings and it has been suggested that Dene (now East and West Dean, West Sussex) was probably where Queen Ælfthryth brought up her grandchildren, the sons of Æthelred, who had the title ætheling. ==References==