The Search For Aclea Begins

Our group has recently gained permission from a kind local landowner to search two locations close to Ockley, which is one of the possible sites for the Battle of Aclea. This is an exciting opportunity for us, and we are eager to begin our search.

Led by Æthelwulf, King of Wessex, the Battle of Aclea was a significant victory for the West Saxons against the invading Viking forces in the year 851. This battle played a crucial role in shaping the future of England, but its precise location has remained a mystery for centuries.

The West Saxons managed to defeat the Viking forces, proving their strength and resilience. This victory not only protected the region from further invasions but also inspired other Anglo-Saxon rulers to unite and eventually defeat the Vikings.

However, as important as this battle was, the exact location of Aclea has been a topic of debate and speculation among historians. Some believe it took place in Ockley, while others suggest it may have been fought in nearby areas close to the Roman road Stane Street such as Mertsham, Capel or Dorking.

There are a few primary sources that mention the Battle of Aclea, but they provide limited information on the location. This has led to numerous theories, but no concrete evidence has ever been found to pinpoint the exact site.

But with the permission to search two specific locations near Ockley, we are hopeful that we may be able to shed some light on this mystery.

We are aware that this is no easy task, and we may not find anything significant in our search. But as metal detectorists, we understand the thrill and satisfaction of uncovering a piece of history that has been hidden for centuries. And we cannot succeed without the generous help of landowners granting us permission to detect on their land.

Our search for the lost battle of Aclea will not just be a quest for a specific location, but also a journey to uncover and share an important piece of history. We invite everyone to follow our progress and stay updated on any findings through our social media platforms and our blog.

We are honored to have the opportunity to search for the site of the Battle of Aclea, and we are grateful to the kind local landowner for allowing us to explore the two potential locations. With determination, patience, and a bit of luck, we hope to share our finding with you and soon be able to say with certainty, “This is where the Battle of Aclea took place.”

If you are landowner or know a landowner who would be willing to grant us permission to detect on their land in the local area, then please get in touch.