Politics - Monarchs - Alfred the Great 871-899 CE

Alfred the Great

Years of reign

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House: Wessex

Born: Wantage 849 AD

Died: October 26, 899 AD

Crowned: April 871 AD

Buried: Hyde Abbey

Alfred the Great was King of Wessex from 871 to 899. He is famous for his defense of his kingdom against the Vikings, as well as his legal and educational reforms. Alfred also encouraged the use of the English language and promoted learning and scholarship. He is the only English monarch to be given the epithet "the Great." Alfred is also known for his translation of religious texts into Old English and his promotion of education and learning. Alfred died in 899 and is buried in Winchester, in the south of England.

Timeline

  • 849: Born in the village of Wantage, in the kingdom of Wessex, England
  • 871: Succeeds his brother Æthelred as king of Wessex
  • 878: Suffers a major defeat at the hands of the Vikings at the Battle of Chippenham
  • 878-879: Goes into hiding and organizes resistance against the Vikings
  • 879: Emerges from hiding and defeats the Vikings at the Battle of Edington
  • 879-890: Implements legal and administrative reforms, including the creation of a system of burhs (fortified towns) 890: Issues the "Wessex Law Code," a collection of laws and regulations
  • 890-899: Promotes education and scholarship, encourages the translation of religious texts into Old English, and establishes schools
  • 899: Dies in Winchester and is buried in the Old Minster there

Placeholder imageDuring Alfred's reign, the main event was the Viking invasions of England. Alfred successfully defended his kingdom of Wessex against the Vikings and was able to push them back. He also made peace with the Viking leader Guthrum, which allowed for a period of relative peace in the region.

Alfred also implemented several legal and administrative reforms, such as the creation of a system of burhs, or fortified towns, which helped to improve the kingdom's defense. He also codified laws and established a legal system based on the principles of justice and fairness.

Another important issue was the promotion of education and scholarship. Alfred was a strong believer in the importance of education and learning, and he encouraged the translation of religious texts into Old English so that they would be more accessible to the people. He also established schools and promoted the learning of Latin and other subjects.

Additionally, Alfred is considered to be one of the first kings in Europe to have a navy. He ordered the construction of a fleet of ships to help him fight off the Viking invaders and protect his kingdom's coastlines.

Overall, Alfred's reign was marked by his successful defense against the Vikings, his legal and administrative reforms, and his promotion of education and learning. These achievements helped to establish a strong foundation for the future development of the kingdom of Wessex and laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of England.

Reference: Article by Greg Scott (Staff Historian), 2024

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