Short note on King Alfred

King Alfred

SHORT NOTE ON KING ALFRED

There were many famous Anglo-Saxon kings, but the most famous of all was Alfred. He was one of the only kings in British history to be called 'Great'.

Alfred ruled Wessex from c. 871 to c. 886 and Anglo-Saxons from c. 886 to c. 899. He was the youngest son of King Aethelwulf.

After ascending the throne, Alfred spent several years fighting Viking invasions. He won a decisive victory in the Battle of Edington in c. 878 and made an agreement with the Vikings, creating what was known as the Danelaw in the North of England. Alfred also oversaw the conversion of Viking leader Guthrum to Christianity. He defended his kingdom against the Viking attempt at conquest, becoming the dominant ruler in England. Details of his life are described in a work by 9th-century Welsh scholar and bishop Asser.

Alfred had a reputation as a learned and merciful man of a gracious and level-headed nature who encouraged education, proposing that primary education be conducted in Old English rather than Latin and improving the legal system and military structure and his people's quality of life. He was given the epithet "the Great" during and after the Reformation in the 16th century, and together with Danish Cnut the Great, is the only king of England to be given such a name.

Alfred died on 26 October c. 899 at the age of 50 or 51. How he died is unknown, but he suffered throughout his life with a painful and unpleasant illness.

Written & Edited by
SHUVASHISH MALLICK
Hon's 3rd Year
Department of English
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

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