Learnings: Chippenham

A bird's eye view of the royal estate of Chippenham, as interpreted in Assassin's Creed Valhalla / Contemporary

According to the Welsh chronicler Asser, Chippenham was a royal centre, or villa, during Alfred's reign. Chippenham was seized by Viking Chieftain Guthrum's forces on January 6th, 878; the date was chosen because it was the Christian holiday of Epiphany. The Vikings often attacked during Christian holidays, aiming to take their enemies by surprise.

Alfred would eventually win back Chippenham from its Viking conquerors. His troops besieged the town for twelve days until Guthrum agreed to surrender.

This image from Assassin's Creed: Valhalla shows a bird's-eye view of Chippenham, seemingly peaceful despite the siege.