This is unlikely his succession could not have been foreseen at the time, as Alfred had three living elder brothers. Victorian writers later interpreted this as an anticipatory coronation in preparation for his eventual succession to the throne of Wessex. In 853, at the age of four, Alfred is reported by the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle to have been sent to Rome, where he was confirmed by Pope Leo IV, who "anointed him as king". He was given the epithet "the Great" in the 16th century. Details of his life are described in a work by 9th-century Welsh scholar and bishop Asser.Īlfred 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 defended his kingdom against the Viking attempt at conquest, becoming the dominant ruler in England. Alfred also oversaw the conversion of Viking leader Guthrum to Christianity. He won a decisive victory in the Battle of Edington in 878 and made an agreement with the Vikings, dividing England between Anglo-Saxon territory and the Viking-ruled Danelaw, composed of northern England, the north-east Midlands and East Anglia. Under Alfred's rule, considerable administrative and military reforms were introduced, prompting lasting change in England.Īfter ascending the throne, Alfred spent several years fighting Viking invasions. Three of Alfred's brothers, Æthelbald, Æthelberht and Æthelred, reigned in turn before him. He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf and his first wife Osburh, who both died when Alfred was young. Ælfred 848/849 – 26 October 899) was King of the West Saxons from 871 to c.
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