Today the village is called Wantage, Oxfordshire. The same principles of organisation and structure were applied to the judicial system pioneered by Alfred. Later in his life the young King Alfred had to hide from the Vikings on a marshy island called Athelney, in Somerset. Another important step taken by Alfred was in his approach of unifying kingdoms that had previously operated separately. These tactics ultimately proved to be successful. Alfred the Great encouraged people to learn and enjoyed the … Although the proceeding years would be far from completely peaceful (the Danish still made regular raids in to Anglo-Saxon territory), a sense of normality and security was restored in Anglo-Saxon Britain. He accidentally let her cakes (or bread) burn on the fire when he forgot to watch them. Alfred also took tentative steps in establishing a navy to tackle the naval capacity of the Danes on the English coastline. The occupation of Wareham forced Alfred to negotiate a more permanent peace deal… a deal that disintegrated almost as soon as it was sealed. Interesting Facts about Alfred the Great. One story says that Alfred went to Rome at the age of four to meet the Pope. Despite overwhelming odds he successfully defended his kingdom, Wessex, against the Vikings. Lucy Worsley visits Alfreds capital of Winchester Lucy goes on the hunt for evidence about the man behind the myth, she explores how Alfred lived, fought and died. He encouraged people to learn and he tried to govern well and fairly. He is the only English ruler to be called "the Great". Who was Alfred the Great? Here are some facts about Alfred the Great. Click here for KS2 Curriculum Dashboard (All Subjects), Making Birmingham the best place to be educated in the UK. Seeking a new law and order approach, Alfred insisted on judges with certain desirable qualities, such as being literate, having a sharp mind, a good education and astute knowledge of the law. Being the fourth or fifth child in line to the throne, it had seemed unlikely that Alfred would ever reign over his kingdom. Alfred’s keen intellectual disposition was evident in the way he chose to reform, develop and improve Anglo-Saxon society under his reign. Alfred was born in 849, near … Alfred’s defensive genius lay not in the creation of burhs, then, but in the way he adapted earlier strategies to suit the drastically altered military demands of the Viking age. Key stage 2. More info Use to teach: English History. More info Use to teach: History. There were many famous Anglo-Saxon kings, but the most famous of all was Alfred, one of the only kings in British history to be called ‘Great’.His father was king of Wessex, but by the end of Alfred’s reign his coins referred to him as ‘king of the English’.He fought the Vikings and then made peace so that English and Vikings settled down to live together. On 26th October 899 Alfred died from unknown causes, most probably caused by poor health experienced early on in his life. This decision resulted in the Vikings temporarily withdrawing to London and subsequently occupying the majority of England for the next five years. Why is King Alfred famous? As described in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, this proved successful as the ships were larger, steadier and swifter in the water, using a design inspired by the Greek and Roman warships which were designed as fighting ships with high sides, instead of low sided vessels deemed fit only for navigation. By the year 876, the Danes had regrouped and made their assault on Wessex. A famous story tells how, while sheltering in a cowherd’s hut, the king got a telling-off from the cowherd’s wife. He is the only King in English history to be labelled ‘The Great’ - but how did he manage to get himself such a complimentary title? The story of King Alfred burning the cakes is well known. This book tells the story of the only king of England who was called the Great. In Alfred the Great? King Alfred is the only English King to have ever been called “Great.” He rose from exile and isolation to overthrow Viking slave masters, fortify his nation, unite his people, provide an early example of an accessible Christian education, and have his vision for society taken to the ends of the earth. The Danes were to take control of the north and east, with Alfred and the Anglo-Saxons taking Kent, West Mercia and their original kingdom of Wessex. The prominence of King Alfred can be assessed from the fact that he was the only emperor to be designated as ‘the Great’ in the political history of Britain. In 886, Alfred negotiated a treaty with the Danes. Let me show you Facts about Alfred the Great if you want to know the King of Wessex. He was a popular king who governed his people well and fairly. He passed away on 26 October 899. He became the King of Wessex in 871 at the age of 21. How did the Anglo-Saxons celebrate Christmas? By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. He may have earned this title in part by defending his kingdom against the Vikings and for his efforts in improving education. Alfred the Great was King of Wessex from 871 to 886 and King of the Anglo-Saxons from 886 to 899. But before the end of the year he succeeded in effecting a peace, probably by paying a sum of money to the invaders. King Alfred the Great. Athelney was essentially an island in the marshes, an advantageous position away from the Danes which bought Alfred enough time to rally together the local militia. He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf, who died when Alfred was young.Three of Alfred's brothers, Æthelbald, Æthelberht and Æthelred, reigned in turn before him. While half the men were at home on their farms, the rest were ready to fight Vikings.Alfred died in 899 and was buried at his capital city of Winchester. His brother, the king, died a month later and Alfred was left to rule as leader of the Saxon kingdom. This kind of structure helped to ensure security for the future of the kingdom. Alfred was born in 849 and served as King of Wessex, a Saxon kingdom based in the southwest of modern day England, from 871 to his death on 26th October 899 AD. Alfred once declared it his intention "To live worthily as long as I live and after my life to leave to them that should come after, my memory in good works." Anglo-Saxons & Vikings – 4b Alfred the Great. Pupils will listen to Alfred’s story and consider why he left a legacy as a ‘great’ king. Free. Alfred’s reforms and ideas were applied to the education system developed during his reign. Alfred divided his army into two groups. Keen to reflect on where he and his army had previous fallen short, the Saxon King took time to challenge traditional army structures and introduce new methods to deal with the continuous threat from overseas. Browse our interactive map of Anglo-Saxon remains throughout Britain. This proved to be a decisive victory for the Saxon King, forcing the Danes to surrender and securing the baptism of their King Guthrum, with Alfred serving as his sponsor, and thus securing long-term peace. Alfred the Great was the King of Wessex from 871 to 899 and is credited with defending his kingdom against the Vikings. In this lesson, pupils will find out why Alfred was a significant figure in Anglo-Saxon history. The conflict raged on with Alfred making a strategic calculation to blockade Danish ships, forcing the Vikings to withdraw to Mercia. Foundation Office, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UD, Admission for King Edward VI High School for Girls, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls’ Academy, King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls, Free access to online curriculum resources, Entrance Test online “Familiarisation” lessons, Legal Information and GDPR for Trainee Teachers. He is the only English monarch to be officially described as ‘great’. Pupils will listen to Alfred’s story and consider why he left a legacy as a ‘great’ king. Alfred became king in AD871 when his elder brother died.During his reign he was advised by a council of nobles and church leaders. Alfred the Great was the youngest of five sons. This was a treaty designed to divide England. Copyright © Historic UK Ltd. 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