The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records two battles fought at 'Woddes beorge', the prehistoric barrow now known as Adam's Grave, near Marlborough Wiltshire.
The entry for the year 592 states:
Her micel wælfill wæs æt Woddes beorge, 7 Ceawlin wæs ut adrifen.
There was great slaughter at Woden's hill, and Ceawlin was driven out.
The entry for the year 715 states:
Her Ine 7 Ceolred fuhton æt Woddes beorge.
There Ine and Ceolred fought at Woden's hill.
The area was of strategic importance since it lay near the intersection of the ancient Ridgeway with Wansdyke. It is likely that the battles took place on the nearby iron age hillfort of Knap Hill.
Knap hill. The remains of the ramparts are clearly visible.
Wansdyke
Knap Hill (left) and Adam's Grave (right) from the Wansdyke
