Discenza, Nicole Guenther, and Paul E. Szarmach, eds. The most famous of these is the story of Alfred and the burnt cakes, which comes from The Life of St. Neot. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. The supremacy of lordship was emphasized throughout as Alfred believed that the king ruled by divine will and, if he were true to his calling, would rule justly in the best interests of his people. The Danes established themselves at Chippenham, and the West Saxons submitted, “except King Alfred.” He harassed the Danes from a fort in the Somerset marshes, and until seven weeks after Easter he secretly assembled an army, which defeated them at the Battle of Edington. 12 Apr 2021. The work was only brought to public attention in the 17th century CE when Sir John Spelman published it as a guide for kingly behavior. He promulgated an important code of laws, after studying the principles of lawgiving in the Book of Exodus and the codes of Aethelbert of Kent, Ine of Wessex (688–694), and Offa of Mercia (757–796), again with special attention to the protection of the weak and dependent. Compilation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle began during his reign, circa 890. The Oxford Illustrated History of the Vikings, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. Although this victory did not end Viking raids in Britain nor drive the Vikings back to Scandinavia, it allowed for a period of relative peace in which Alfred's reforms could be implemented and take root. Accordingly, Edward the Elder was groomed to assume the crown. Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University and Michigan State University and University of Missouri. Ecbert then stops the trial and pardons Judith, stating that Athelstan was a holy man and his son was c… At the age of four, his father sent him to Rome on pilgrimage, where he was confirmed in the faith by the Pope and, according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, was anointed as king. Last modified April 24, 2018. While avoiding unnecessary changes in custom, he limited the practice of the blood feud and imposed heavy penalties for breach of oath or pledge. Old forts were strengthened and new ones built at strategic sites, and arrangements were made for their continual manning. In one of his endeavours, however, Alfred had little success; he tried to revive monasticism, founding a monastery and a nunnery, but there was little enthusiasm in England for the monastic life until after the revivals on the European continent in the next century. World History Encyclopedia. Alfred soundly defeats the Danes and becomes a hero. Some Rights Reserved (2009-2021) under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license unless otherwise noted. Alfred was born in 849 CE, the son of King Aethelwulf of Wessex and his wife Osburh. However, with the accession of the third brother, Ethelred I, in 866, the public life of Alfred began. Alfred's Burghal System seems to have been adapted from the Carolingian precepts. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. He has taught history, writing, literature, and philosophy at the college level. Over the next few years, Alfred would continually have to mobilize what troops he could muster to defend his realm. Although it is often assumed that these legends come from Asser's work, they are all later creations, c. 10th century CE. He shared the contemporary view that Viking raids were a divine punishment for the people’s sins, and he attributed these to the decline of learning, for only through learning could men acquire wisdom and live in accordance with God’s will. (Asser, 53, Keynes & Lapidge, 83). King Alfred the Great was born in 849, the 5th son of King Aethelwulf of Wessex and Osburh at Wantage, Berkshire. Alfred is often remembered as one of England’s greatest Anglo-Saxon rulers. Following the Battle of Eddington, he went to work to resolve the underlying causes of the raids which, in his view, were the poor state of education, clerical learning, and lack of unity in his kingdom. Alfred administered Wessex well and was a studious lawgiver. Thank you so much, man! Alfred the Great was the first king of the Anglo-Saxons and one of only two English rulers to have been given the epithet ‘the Great’. Alfred rallied his forces and blockaded the Viking fleet at Devon, forcing them to withdraw to Mercia but, by 877 CE, the Vikings were back at the borders and, in early 878 CE, they took Chippenham. The 10th century Welsh scholar and bishop Asser described the life of Alfred the Great. We are now World History Encyclopedia to better reflect the breadth of our non-profit organization's mission. In 866 CE they took the city of York, and in 867 CE they killed the Northumbrian kings Osbert and Aelle and consolidated their control of the region. It should not be thought, however, that this period was – as has often been claimed – a “quiet time” in which Alfred could devote himself to study and domestic policies. Latin, could be read and spoken only by church officials and understood by a mere handful of Wessex clergy. World History Encyclopedia. The Vikings were left with whatever provisions they had inside and after two weeks of siege surrendered. Alfred, alone of Anglo-Saxon kings, inspired a full-length biography, written in 893, by the Welsh scholar Asser. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. When he was born, it must have seemed unlikely that Alfred would become king, since he had four older brothers; he said that he never desired royal power. At the same time, Alfred imported a number of learned clerics from Wales and France to reintroduce Latin learning to the court and translate Latin works into English. It is during this period that Asser applies to him the unique title of 'secundarius,' which may indicate a position akin to that of the Celtic tanist, a recognized successor closely associated with the reigning monarch. It also had a near-monopoly on the acquisition of knowledge as its official language. A leading authority on Anglo-Saxon England. Alfred the Great (r. 871-899 CE) was the king of Wessex in Britain but came to be known as King of the Anglo-Saxons after his military victories over Viking adversaries and later successful negotiations with them. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms. Alfred considered learning and literacy to be crucial for the acquisition of wisdom and therefore necessary for men to live in accordance with God’s will. Public schools were created in which students learned to read English; those who were to go on to pursue holy orders would also be taught Latin. There were many famous Anglo-Saxon kings, but the most famous of all was Alfred, one of the only kings in British history to be called 'Great'. Alfred began battling the Danes in 870, months before he acceded to the throne. You might say, why is that an interesting fact about … (2018, April 24). Alfred’s life, particularly his early struggles as King of Wessex, were portrayed on … As his shores … Alfred's epithet 'the great' was not given to him in his lifetime but centuries later when Asser's work became more widely known and the significance of Alfred's reign was more fully recognized. The Wessex forces would have held tight formations against the Viking onslaught and then counterattacked. He prevented England from falling to the Danes and promoted learning and literacy. Just who was this King? Alfred succeeded in government as well as at war. Related Content Web. Alfred defeated the Viking leader Guthrum (died c. 890 CE) at the Battle of Eddington in 878 CE, after which he was able to deliver terms including the Christianization of Guthrum and his closest advisors, thus bridging the religious gap between the two peoples. Alfred The Great. All of these books had influenced Alfred personally for the better and so, he believed, would do the same for others. Alfred at this point had no choice but to pay the Viking commanders a large sum to leave Wessex. The Danes refused to give battle, and peace was made. In 868 CE they made constant raids throughout Mercia and by 869 CE had completely overrun East Anglia. Alfred the Great (Old English: Ælfrēd[a], Ælfrǣd[b], "elf counsel" or "wise elf"; 849 – 26 October 899) was King of Wessex from 871 to 899. Nevertheless, Alfred succeeded to the throne of his father as it was agreed that power would pass through Aethelwulf’s sons, rather than from father to oldest son and then to grandson. License. He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf of Wessex, by his first wife, Osburh. Alfred was born in the village of Wanating, now Wantage, Oxfordshire. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The Vikings held the high ground and had already fortified their defenses when Alfred arrived on the field and found his brother the king was still at his prayers. World History Encyclopedia. Alfred was born in 849 CE, the son of King Aethelwulf of Wessex and his wife Osburh. Mark, Joshua J. After an unsuccessful battle at Wilton he made peace. Wessex was never again in such danger. The story would go through many different incarnations with the wife depicted as evil and ignorant or simply exasperated by her houseguest, but in all, Alfred's response epitomizes humility and grace. Ancient History Encyclopedia has a new name! The character in the show is loosely based on the historical Alfred but significant departures are made, most notably in his parentage. Alfred had no opportunity to acquire the education he sought, however, until much later in life. He may have earned this title in part by defending his kingdom against the Vikings and for his efforts in improving education. He is the best-known Anglo-Saxon king in British history thanks to his biographer Asser (died c. 909 CE) and that work's impact on later writers. He won a great victory at the Battle of Edington in 878 but continued to struggle with Danish advances until 896, when the invasions ceased. For example, someone accused of a crime might be made to eat a specially baked cake. Alfred’s translation of the Pastoral Care of St. Gregory I, the great 6th-century pope, provided a manual for priests in the instruction of their flocks, and a translation by Bishop Werferth of Gregory’s Dialogues supplied edifying reading on holy men. He learned poetry by hearing it recited & then repeating it but could not read it himself until sometime in his teenage years. He was a wise administrator, organizing his finances and the service due from his thanes (noble followers). Whether his brother was involved or not, Alfred was victorious, skillfully leading his forces, and drove the Vikings from the field. Alfred the Great was the youngest of five sons. Yet his historic vision for his people, personal courage, spiritual devotion, and treatment of his enemies, offer profound wisdom for political leaders of any age -- including our own. King Alfred of Wessex (r.871-99) is probably the best known of all Anglo-Saxon rulers, even if the first thing to come into many peoples minds in connection with him is something to do with burnt confectionery. Modern studies have increased knowledge of him but have not altered in its essentials the medieval conception of a great king. He learned poetry by hearing it recited and then repeating it but could not read it himself until sometime in his teenage years and even then could not read Latin in which the most important works of his time were written. Learn more. Whatever effect the trip to Rome may have had on Alfred's character, it does not seem to be as profound an influence as that of his mother. Omissions? It is possible that this arrangement was sanctioned by the Witenagemot, to guard against the danger of a di… The Vikings were driven from the field and fortified the defenses of their stronghold. His daughter Aethelflaed of Mercia would continue his war with the Vikings as well as his educational reforms and Burghal System along with her brother Edward of Wessex, who had succeeded Alfred. Early in the 880's CE, Alfred implemented innovations which included a restructuring of the network of towns and cities. She chastised Alfred, who was sitting close by, saying, “You hesitate to turn the loaves which you see to be burning, yet you're quite happy to eat them when they come warm from the oven!” (Keynes & Lapidge, 198). Aethelred and Alfred mobilized their forces and met the Vikings in battle at Reading but were badly defeated. A: Alfred was the fifth son of King Æthelwulf (839-58), ruler of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex – the area south of the river Thames. He lost more battles than he won but put up enough resistance to be left alone for several years. It was during this period that Asser, formerly of Wales, came to Alfred's court as his personal tutor. Mark, J. J. In this year Alfred married Ealhswith, descended through her mother from Mercian kings. Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Our mission is to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. Alfred the Great (Old English: Aelfrēd; c. 849 – 899), also known as Alfred of Wessex, was King of Wessex from 871 to 886 and later King of the Anglo-Saxons from c. 886 to 899. Alfred, then, had no choice but to take command of the entire army and lead the attack. Please support World History Encyclopedia Foundation. He had to meet a serious attack by a large Danish force from the European continent in 892, and it was not until 896 that it gave up the struggle. Alfred reorganized his army and used ships against the invaders as early as 875. In 870 CE reinforcements for the Great Army arrived from Scandinavia and Halfdane led his forces to take Wallingford, ravage Mercia, and drive on into Wessex the next year. It is during this period that the events related in the legends surrounding Alfred are said to have taken place. The productivity of a region was then taken into consideration when stationing a certain number of troops there. Late in 871, the Danes invaded Wessex, and Aethelred and Alfred fought several battles with them. It may be that Alfred's family had low expectations of him as a warrior-king as he was more given to books than action and was often ill as a young man (possibly afflicted with Crohn's disease). In time, Alfred himself would translate works from Latin to English, serving as a role model for his subjects. He began by rebuilding those cities and towns which had been destroyed in the Viking Wars and improving upon the earlier structures. In 886 CE Alfred captured London in a stunning victory, and “all the English people that were not under subjection to the Danes submitted to him” (Keynes & Lapidge, 38). Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. Aethelflaed would continue Alfred's work in conjunction with her husband and then as sole ruler and Lady of the Mercians. Alfred implements his famous reforms of military. Although illiterate in his youth, Alfred himself wrote the law code and translated a number of works, including Gregory's Pastoral Care, Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy, St. Augustine's Soliloquies, and the first 50 psalms. In this biography, Professor Smyth explores the life of a remarkable man. Sources. It should be noted that Asser's account of the battle has been challenged and other sources credit Aethelred with full participation in the engagement. He led his army against the Vikings again at the Battle of Wilton and here again seems to have shown himself an effective leader on the field – at least at first. World History Encyclopedia is a non-profit organization. In considering what is true happiness and the relation of providence to faith and of predestination to free will, Alfred does not fully accept Boethius’ position but depends more on the early Fathers. During his reign, he repelled the Viking invasions and laid the foundation for what became the Kingdom of England. He was daily involved in foreign policy decisions, and the problems of the Vikings in Britain persisted. Alfred the Great. Cite This Work Facts about Alfred the Great 3: the Alfred’s life. Edward's son, Aethelstan, would in time become the first King of England, reigning over a united land, and continue his grandfather's legacy. On a trip to Rome, at some point after Eddington, Alfred had learned defensive tactics and stratagems from the Carolingian kings of France who had been dealing with their own Viking problems for centuries. The Vikings were able to regroup and countercharge, defeating the West Saxons and taking the field. He never reveals himself as king or argues with the wife but accepts her scolding as appropriate and helps her bake the bread. https://www.worldhistory.org/Alfred_the_Great/. Ninth century English nobleman Alfred (David Hemmings) puts his plans to become a priest on hold, because his country has been invaded by Vikings. His laws gave special attention to the protection of the weak. However, his succession could not have been foreseen at the time… Thank you! Aethelred died in 871, and Alfred succeeded him. These and the later accounts by ETHELWERD, SIMEON OF DURHAM, etc. Alfred, also spelled Aelfred, byname Alfred the Great, (born 849—died 899), king of Wessex (871–899), a Saxon kingdom in southwestern England. Alfred The Great's rise to power The Church of Rome wielded immense power and its influence extended to almost every aspect of Saxon life. Danes seized and plundered London in … Alfred is most exceptional, however, not for his generalship or his administration but for his attitude toward learning. Elrington and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon, University of Cambridge, 1957–69. In 853 he was taken to Rome to be confirmed by the Pope and it is likely that he was being prepared for a life in the Church. He promulgated an important code of laws after studying the principles of lawgiving from previous Anglo-Saxon law codes and from the Book of Exodus. The raid on Chippenham was a surprise attack launched during the Christmas season when Alfred was observing the holiday in the area and was completely unprepared. It is certain they were married by 887 CE when Aethelflaed's name appears on land charters with Aethelred's. We have also been recommended for educational use by the following publications: Ancient History Encyclopedia Foundation is a non-profit organization registered in Canada. World History Encyclopedia, 24 Apr 2018. The Battle of Ashdown in January 871 CE would prove Alfred's skill in military leadership and his ability to think clearly and act in a crisis. Learn More. It was probably the quality of the West Saxon resistance that discouraged Danish attacks for five years. Facts about Alfred the Great 4: his reputation. Another important factor, however, is that Asser's Life of King Alfred was not widely read at this time since Asser never completed it or had it copied for distribution. When he was born at Wantage in 849, it might have seemed unlikely that Alfred would ever become king, but in a period of increasing Viking attacks, his four brothers all died as young adults. He desired absolute power, and the legislative innovations in his rule were resisted by the elders. Shortly after taking London, Alfred sealed an alliance with Mercia by arranging a marriage between his daughter Aethelflaed (r. 911-918 CE) and the earl of that region, Aethelred II (r. 883-911 CE). And how did he die? The life of Alfred the Great, his warrior daughter and son and what he accomplished could be the topic of several great … All penalties took the form of fines except for those which involved crimes of treachery or treason. He probably received the education in military arts normal for a young man of rank. Alfred, however, destroyed all of the crops surrounding the Viking defenses, killed all the men found outside, and took the cattle. "Alfred the Great." The Vikings massacred much of the populace, but Alfred escaped with his family and a few men and went into exile. Grab a copy of our NEW encyclopedia for Kids! The theory that Viking raids were the wrath of God had gone unchallenged since the Lindisfarne raid in 793 CE as there was no better available, and Alfred most certainly believed it. Author of. Asser comments how “the Christians were aroused by the grief and shame of this, and four days later, with all their might and in a determined frame of mind, they advanced against the Viking army at a place called Ashdown” (Asser, 37, Keynes & Lapidge, 78). Although the money he had paid to Halfdane secured Wessex for the time, it did not mean the Vikings had to leave Britain. The Vikings had begun their raids on Britain c. 793 CE and, by Alfred's time, had established themselves throughout the land from Northumbria through Mercia with increasing incursions into Wessex. The possession of London also made possible the reconquest of the Danish territories in his son’s reign, and Alfred may have been preparing for this, though he could make no further advance himself. Alfred was not expected to become King since he had four elder brothers. Alfred started the Royal Navy in the 9th century During the short reigns of his two eldest brothers, Ethelbald and Ethelbert, Alfred is not mentioned. Osburh is described in Asser's Life of King Alfred as a religious and intelligent woman who had a significant effect on his life-long interest in learning; a characteristic which chiefly defines Alfred and shaped his later accomplishments. They consolidated their power in Northumbria, made peace with the Mercians, and were free to threaten the autonomy of Wessex whenever they pleased. Alfred successfully defended his kingdom against the Viking attempt at conquest, and by the time of his death had become the dominant ruler in England. Alfred spent much of his reign defending his kingdom of Wessex from Danish invaders. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alfred-king-of-Wessex, Alfred the Great - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11), Alfred the Great - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Seven Books of Histories Against the Pagans. They retired in 877 having accomplished little, but a surprise attack in January 878 came near to success. A great story, beautifully told." He had a fortress built at Athelney which formed a base of operations and seems to have used this to recruit men as well as to launch raids. It is possible also that he was aware of and admired the great Frankish king Charlemagne, who had at the beginning of the century revived learning in his realm. In order for each burh to be able to defend itself, it had to be garrisoned, and those men had to be paid, and so Alfred reformed the tax code based on the abundance of crops gathered from a person's land. 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