The Battle of Aclea is a significant event in English history, occurring in 851 between the West Saxons and the Danish Vikings.
Led by Æthelwulf, King of Wessex, the battle resulted in a West Saxon victory. However, the exact location of this historic battle remains a mystery.
According to Anglo-Saxon chroniclers, the Vikings sailed into the mouth of the Thames and made their way south over the Thames into Surrey, where they were met by King Æthelwulf and his army at Aclea. Here, the West Saxons achieved a great victory over the Vikings and made the greatest slaughter of a heathen raiding-army that was recorded up to that time. In his account of the battle, Asser explained that Aclea means “Oak Field.” This description could apply to Ockley, as the village is surrounded by oak trees to this day. Additionally, the evolution of the word “Aclea” into Oakley or Ockley makes this village a logical starting point for our search, as it is situated on Stane Street (Chichester), the likely route the Vikings would have taken south from London Bridge and the same route the West Saxons would have traveled north.
As a group of metal detectorists living in and around the Surrey Hills, we are on a quest to discover the lost location of the Battle of Aclea.
Our interest in this battle stems from our passion for history and metal detecting. We have been researching this event and possible locations for the battle ground. In the map below we have shown the area we are interested to begin our search in.
However, our quest to uncover the lost location of the Battle of Aclea cannot be completed without the help of landowners in and around Ockley and Leith Hill. So we are reaching out to these landowners in hopes that they will grant us permission to metal detect on their land and assist us in our search.
We understand that metal detecting on private land may raise concerns, but we assure landowners that we take every precaution to leave the land undisturbed and restore it to its previous condition. We are also happy to share any findings with the landowners and the local community as a way to promote the history of the area. If any significant finds are made the local Finds Liason Officer at the Portable Antiquity Scheme will be notified.
If you are a landowner in Ockley or Leith Hill who would like to grant us permission to detect on your land, please fill out our permission form so we can begin our hunt for the lost location of the Battle of Aclea!
We will be posting updates on the progress of our search so stay tuned!
Written by Murray Price
Murray is a member of the Bearded Bleepers metal detectorists. Based in Epsom Downs, during the day he runs his own web design company, but his true passion lies in exploring the countryside with his fellow Bleepers, searching for hidden treasures. He also loves spending time walking the Surrey Hills with his rescue dog, Woody.
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Will follow your progress with interest. The tide seems to be turning and other claims to the battle site seem to be dwindling in favour of Ockley/Leith Hill area in Surrey.
I am the Curator of Shere Museum.