Today's episode begins in a rather unlikely location, a market town situated along the southern coast of England, known as Wairam.

Wairam has a long history as a defensive center for the region,

and rightfully so.

The town is almost entirely enclosed by marshy river plains, which are tough to navigate by an individual, let alone by an army.

The site is also home to a good harbor, which opens up into the English Channel, making

it an ideal location for trade and exchange.

Not that any of this particularly mattered in the summer of 875 though, when Wairham's natural defences were breached, and the town became a refuge for a force of Vikinar who were seeking shelter in the easily

defended town. This force who traveled in a fleet of seven long ships had been recently defeated by King Alfred of Wessex, a ruler who would

go on to become known as Alfred the Great. Alfred's forces had defeated these raiders in battle and managed to capture one of their ships in the aftermath,

but some of the raiders managed to slip away and the survivors eventually made their way to wear him

Where they dug in and waited out the cold winter months

All while being watched closely no doubt by Alfred's forces.

In the following year, likely fearing the cost of assaulting the formidable camp, King Alfred approached Weren and arranged to make peace.

The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells us of this agreement,

quote,

King Alfred of Wessex makes peace with the host.

They swear owes on a sacred ring that they will leave Wessex speedily.

Never before had the host sworn such an oath."

End quote.

Now, unfortunately for King Alfred, and even more unfortunately for the poor people of Wessex. This force had little interest in keeping to their

agreement. Oaths and sacred rings apparently notwithstanding. The Chronicle continues on to tell us that this force used the

cover of their agreement to flee by night to the town of Exeter, situated about 60 miles to the west of Wairham.

...