Alfred was born in 849 as the fifth son to King Ethelwulf and Queen Osburh. Ethelwulf's three older sons, Ethelbald, Ethelbert and Ethelred I would become king before him. In fact, Alfred's great love of learning and devotion to Christianity may have led him to the Church if fate had not intervened.
Alfred the Warrior and Military Leader
The defeat of the Danes was the greatest achievement of Alfred the Great's reign. The Danish invasion began in 861 during Ethelred I's reign. By the time Alfred became king in 871, the Danes occupied a major portion of England and were still intent on conquering Wessex.
Alfred the Great's Danish battles went on for seven years before Alfred firmly secured Wessex and England's future from fear of Scandinavian rule. Alfred fought the Danes both by land and sea. On land, he strengthened his armies by rallying support and manpower from all over England. At sea, he led competent fleets that prevented the many Danish ships from landing.
Alfred's defeat of the Danes at Edington in 878 was a major victory for England because the Danes signed a treaty that brought peace to England for a number of years. During that time, Alfred established a strong English defensive base, which prevented the Danes from ever conquering Wessex or capturing other parts of England.
Alfred's military strategies helped end the Danish invasion of England. He reorganized the English levies to maintain a consistent army presence in key field areas. He also implemented a burghal system consisting of a group of fortified centers that was garrisoned and always ready for battle. Alfred is also credited with the plan carried out by his son, Edward the Elder, that recaptured the English lands known as Danelaw after his death.
Alfred the Law Maker and Scholar
King Alfred established a code of laws that promoted more civil rights and justice. He developed the laws based upon extensive study of the codes of earlier rulers and Biblical principles. His laws included limitations on blood feud, a definition for the rights of sanctuary and penalties for breach of an oath. Alfred's legal reforms lasted beyond his rule and throughout the Anglo Saxon period.
Beside legal study, Alfred enjoyed learning and valued education. He translated classical texts, read poetry and even invented a candle clock. He encouraged education for both the noble born and lower classes. This was accomplished by requiring that all children in his court, whether common or noble, learn to read both English and Latin. He also ordered the translation of many books into the common vernacular of the people in his kingdom.
Alfred the Devote Christian
Alfred's devotion to the Church was evident in his laws and many of his decisions during his reign. When he defeated the Danes at Edington, he demanded that the Danish King Gunthrum convert to Christianity and sponsored Gunthrum in his baptism. The fight against the Danish was as much about England as Christianity.
Many of Alfred's laws protected the rights of the Church. He also established a nunnery and monastery in an unsuccessful attempt to revive a deeper interest in monasticism.
Alfred the Legend
After King Alfred's death in 899, he lived on in English oral history. Stories were told for generations of his military exploits against the Danes and his adventures as a wandering harper gathering secrets behind enemy lines. Alfred was greatly loved by his subjects. His influence lasted long after his death.
Sources:
Williamson, David, Debrett's Kings and Queens of Great Britain
Asser, Bishop of Sherborne, The Life of King Alfred
 |
