Halfden came with a considerable fleet of ships, and, after landing his men, and performing various exploits and encountering various adventures in other parts of England, he began to turn his thoughts toward Alfred's dominions.

Alfred did not pay particular attention to Halfden's movements at first, as he supposed that his treaty with Hubba had bound the whole nation of the Danes not to encroach upon _his_ realm, whatever they might do in respect to the other Saxon kingdoms.

Alfred had a famous castle at Wareham, on the southern coast of the island.
It was situated on a bay which lies in what is now Dorsetshire.

This castle was the strongest place in his dominions.

It was garrisoned and guarded, but not with any special vigilance, as no one expected an attack upon it.