The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle records a battle fought in the year 592 at Woden's Barrow (Old English "Wōdnesbeorġ"), the neolithic long barrow now known as Adam's Grave, near Marlborough, Wiltshire.
The year entry 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.)
[2] Ceawlin is recorded as dying the following year and was succeeded by Ceol; his son Cuthwine went into exile.
The area was of strategic importance since it lay near the intersection of the ancient Ridgeway with Wansdyke.