The Danes formed into two divisions and the Saxons formed two columns to match them. The Danes were formed up on higher ground than the Saxons and Alfred, fearful of the impetus they would gain by charging downhill, took the initiative and attacked first. His brother Aethelred, was hearing Mass and was late in bringing his column into action. Two Viking kings and five earls were killed along with a large number of their men. The Danes retreated in disarray into their earthworks at Reading.
This battle was only a temporary set back to the Vikings during this phase of the campaign.