King Alfred the Great is one of the most celebrated kings in English history, remembered for his valiant defense of his kingdom against Viking invasions, his wise governance, and his scholarly patronage. Here are 10 fascinating facts that shed light on the life and accomplishments of this remarkable ruler:
1. An Unlikely King
As the youngest of five sons of King Æthelwulf of Wessex, Alfred was never expected to become king. However, fate intervened: Alfred‘s father and four elder brothers all died within a span of 20 years. In 871, at the age of 21, Alfred unexpectedly found himself the new King of Wessex.
2. Scholar King
Alfred was a man of great learning in an age when most kings were illiterate. He translated many important Latin works, including Pope Gregory I‘s Pastoral Care, into Old English so that more of his subjects could read them. Alfred recruited many foreign scholars to his court and promoted education throughout his kingdom.
3. Law Reformer
One of Alfred‘s major achievements was reforming and codifying the laws of his kingdom. He created a new law code, drawing on the existing laws of Wessex and Kent as well as Biblical teachings. Alfred‘s Doom Book became the basis for English law for centuries to come. He also reorganized his kingdom into administrative units called shires and hundreds for better governance.
4. Fortress Builder
To counter the constant threat of Viking raids, Alfred instituted a vast program of building fortified towns known as burhs throughout his kingdom. Burhs were designed to protect local populations and serve as military strongpoints. Many of the burhs Alfred founded, such as Winchester and Chichester, grew into prosperous towns and cities that still exist today.
5. Founder of the English Navy
Alfred was the first English king to recognize the need for a standing navy to defend against seaborne Viking attacks. He had larger ships built than were used before and organized his navy into a formidable force. Although there were few major naval battles in Alfred‘s time, his foresight laid the foundation for the future naval power of England.
6. Valiant Warrior
In 878, the Viking king Guthrum launched a surprise attack on Alfred‘s kingdom, overrunning much of it. Alfred narrowly escaped with a small band of followers and spent several months in hiding in the marshes of Somerset. From there, he led guerrilla raids against the Vikings until he had gathered enough strength to confront Guthrum‘s army directly. At the pivotal Battle of Edington, Alfred decisively defeated Guthrum, rolled back the Viking occupation, and restored his kingdom.
7. Christian King
Alfred was hailed as a model Christian king in his lifetime. He was a devout believer who generously endowed monasteries and churches. He paid special attention to cultivating a clergy that was both learned and holy. As a condition of the peace treaty after his victory at Edington, Alfred required the Viking leader Guthrum to convert to Christianity and be baptized with the English name Athelstan.
8. Mysterious Illness
Throughout his life, Alfred suffered from a painful and debilitating illness that would suddenly strike him and leave him incapacitated for weeks at a time. While the exact nature of this malady is unknown, some modern historians believe it may have been Crohn‘s Disease or some other chronic intestinal disorder. Despite this affliction, Alfred soldiered on and ably fulfilled his royal duties.
9. Unifier of the English
While Alfred was not the first Anglo-Saxon ruler to style himself as "king of the English," his military success against the Vikings and his political achievements did much to advance the cause of English unity. By welding together the remnants of independent Anglo-Saxon kingdoms against their common Viking foe, Alfred began the long process that would eventually see the emergence of a single, unified Kingdom of England.
10. The Only "Great"
Alfred is the only English king ever to be given the epithet "the Great." This is a testament to his many accomplishments: his skill as a war leader against the Vikings, his wise and innovative governance, his scholarly patronage, his lawmaking, and his foresighted defense projects. Alfred towers above other early English kings and was looked to as an exemplar by later monarchs. He richly deserves to be remembered as Alfred the Great.
