Anglo-Saxon Britain - Alfred the Great

1. Alfred the Great was an Anglo-Saxon king who ruled Wessex 871-899.

2. Wessex was the only part of England not under Viking control.

3. In 870 Alfred and his brother, King Aethelred of Wessex, defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Ashdown.

4. Wessex, however, eventually surrendered in 878 to the Viking King, Guthrum.

5. Alfred managed to escape to the Somerset marshes.

6. Legend says Alfred was offered shelter by a swineherd in the marshes.

7. While here he burnt some cakes whilst preoccupied with his own problems.

8. Alfred built a base at Athelney and secretly assembled an army to fight the Vikings.

9. Alfred defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Edington in May 878.

10. King Guthrum converted to Christianity and was baptised after this event with Alfred as his godfather.

11. Alfred negotiated with Vikings after losing other battles and they divided the country.

12. The South and West England became Saxon, the North and East Viking.

13. The Viking threat remained so Alfred re-organised army to make it stronger.

14. Alfred had many new fast ships built to his own design so he could fight Vikings on his own terms.

15. Alfred re-organised defences, building well-defended settlements or fortified towns - burhs.

16. No part of Wessex was more than 20 miles from one of these towns.

17. In 886 Alfred captured London and was accepted as King of England to all not under Viking rule.

18. Alfred was a wise diplomat and administrator and introduced new sets of laws.

19. Alfred promoted literacy and learning, translating Latin books into English so others could learn.

20. Alfred organised recording of Anglo-Saxon history in book known as Anglo-Saxon Chronicles.

21. Alfred was a great warrior and social reformer.

22. He was a compassionate, wise and responsible king.

23. He became most powerful ruler in the British Isles and was known as Alfred the Great.