Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 9.djvu/417

THE BATTLE OF ASIIDOWN. 323 " locus editior" and " locus inferior," (though it is true, as Mr. Lysons observes, that thej miglit be applied to any spot in a hilly country,) are well exemplified by the relative situation of the two camps, now known by the names of Uffington Castle and Ilardwell Camp : and, lastly, as Mr. Wise observes, that these camps and the various tumuli scattered over the Downs thereabouts, may suffice to prove that they must have been the scene of some great conflict. With regard to the distance of Ashdown from Reading, from which town the Danes advanced, and to which, it is presumed, they fled after their defeat, it may be at first sight objected, that it was too great for a direct pursuit. Supposing, however, that the Saxons did pursue them to the walls of Heading, let us try how far this objection will hold good. The distance is about twenty-eight miles at farthest : the whole of which space, excepting the immediate vicinity of Reading, consisted of open downs, a species of country most favourable for such performances. The Danes were flying during the whole latter part of the day on which the battle was fought, and the subsequent night ; and it appears that the fate of the day was decided early, for Alfred first attacked the enemy in the morning, while King Ethelred was engaged in hearing divine service ; and upon the con- clusion of this ceremony, the appearance of the latter in the field, with the sacred ensign of the cross, restored confidence to his own troops, who were somewhat oppressed, dis- heartened the enemy, and decided the battle. When, in addition to the time stated to have been consumed in the flight, we consider the bitter hatred which the Saxoijs must have felt against their ruthless enemies, which they would gladly indulge on so favourable an occasion of victory, we cannot deem the distance to which the pursuit was carried, extraordinary. But the fact is, that no such pursuit, as far as we are informed, did take place. Mr. Wise misconstrued the passage in the narrative of Asser, which merely says, that the Danes betook them- selves to flight till nightfall, and even till the following day, till they reached their fortress, and that the Christians followed them till night, /. e. the night of the battle, as before the next day they were out of their reach.