Alfred then handed it over to Ethelred, the ealdorman of Mercia.
Peace was now made with Athelstan, and for some years remained unbroken.

In 893 a Danish fleet of 250 ships sailed across from Boulogne and landed in the Weald of Kent, which was then covered with a great forest, and there wintered, while the viking Hasting with eighty ships sailed up the Thames and built a strong fort at Milton.
Alfred stationed his army in a strong position half-way between the forest and the Danish camp at Milton, so that he could attack either army when they moved out of their stronghold.

The Danes for many months remained in the forest, issuing out occasionally to plunder in the open country of Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire, but they met with a stout resistance from the Saxons who had remained in the towns and country.
After Easter, having collected a considerable amount of spoil, and finding the resistance ever increasing, the Danes moved northwards from their forest, intending to march into Essex.

The king's forces at once set off to intercept them, and overtook them at Farnham, where the Northmen were completely defeated.

All their booty was recaptured, with their horses and stores.