A historical battle without a definitive location

Nobody quite knows where a battle described by chroniclers as "the greatest slaughter of a heathen army ever recorded" took place – or do they?

The Battle of Aclea in 851AD is considered one of the most important Saxon victories against the Vikings.

The location of the battle between the Kingdom of Wessex and Danish warlords has never been confirmed.

But Murray Price, historian and metal detectorist with the Bearded Bleepers, says he believes the two armies met in Ockley, Surrey, on the slopes of Leith Hill.

Price says there are about 100 hectares (250 acres) of pastureland to search for proof.

"It's a fair amount of get through," he told Secret Surrey.

"We've been searching round this area for quite some time looking for possible clues as to where the battle could have been."

But he is yet to find proof.

It is believed the Vikings travelled up the River Thames and attacked London, before crossing into Surrey and travelling down Stane Street, where they encountered King Æthelwulf.

The battle resulted in victory for the West Saxons.

In relation to the battle, Asser, a Welsh monk and chronicler, made reference to Ockley, Price said.

"I think the word 'Aclea' possibly has changed into Ockley," he told Secret Surrey.

"Aclea meaning clearing in the oaks. And I believe Ockley is surrounded by a lot of oaks."

Price said he and his fellow members of Bearded Bleepers planned to search for proof field by field.

"To give us proof that the battle took place round here it would mean finding something like a sword pommel, arrowhead or possibly some Viking strap ends," he said.

"That would be the ideal thing."

"We're going to try our darndest to find something", he added.

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