Here he was surrounded by a force which Harold had sent against him.

There was no hope or possibility of resistance.

In fact, his enemies seem to have arrived at a time when he did not expect an attack, for they entered the gates by a sudden onset, when Alfred's followers were scattered about the town at the various houses to which they had been distributed.

They made no attempt to defend themselves, but were taken prisoners one by one, wherever they were found.

They were bound with cords, and carried away like ordinary criminals.
Of Alfred's ten principal Norman companions, nine were beheaded.