Who Was Alfred the Great? The King Who Defended England

Alfred the Great (c. 849–899) was the King of Wessex from 871 to 899 and is one of the most celebrated rulers in English history. He is best known for defending England against Viking invasions, reforming law and education, and laying the foundation for the unification of England. His legacy as a warrior, scholar, and lawgiver earned him the rare title of “the Great,” making him the only English king to be honored in this way.

Early Life and Rise to the Throne

Alfred was born in 849 in Wantage, a town in the kingdom of Wessex (modern-day England). He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf and had little expectation of becoming king. However, after the deaths of his older brothers, he inherited the throne in 871, during a time of relentless Viking attacks on Anglo-Saxon England.

Defending England Against the Vikings

When Alfred became king, the Vikings, led by the Great Heathen Army, had conquered much of England. Wessex was one of the last remaining strongholds. In 878, Alfred suffered a major defeat at the hands of the Vikings and was forced to flee into the marshes of Athelney. According to legend, while in hiding, he was given shelter by a peasant woman who scolded him for letting her cakes burn while he was deep in thought.

Despite this setback, Alfred regrouped and gathered an army. Later that year, he decisively defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Edington, forcing their leader, Guthrum, to convert to Christianity and withdraw from Wessex. This victory secured Wessex’s independence and marked a turning point in the struggle against Viking rule.

Alfred’s Reforms: Law, Education, and Culture

Alfred was not just a warrior-king; he was also a scholar and reformer. He believed that England’s survival depended not just on military strength but also on education, law, and good governance.

Legal Reforms

Alfred introduced a new legal code, combining traditional Anglo-Saxon laws with biblical principles. His laws emphasized justice, fairness, and protection for the weak, forming the foundation of English common law.

Education and Learning

Concerned with the decline of learning in England, Alfred promoted education in English, rather than Latin, making knowledge more accessible to his people. He personally translated important works, such as Boethius’ “Consolation of Philosophy” and Gregory the Great’s “Pastoral Care”, into Old English. He also invited scholars from across Europe to Wessex to help revive learning.

Military and Naval Innovations

To strengthen England’s defenses, Alfred reorganized the military and built fortified towns (burhs) across his kingdom, forming the basis of England’s later system of towns and castles. He also created a navy, making him one of the earliest rulers to establish a standing naval force in England.

Legacy and Impact

By the time of his death in 899, Alfred had successfully defended Wessex and laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of England under his descendants. His grandson, Athelstan, would become the first king of a fully unified England.

Alfred’s contributions to law, education, and military strategy shaped English identity and influenced later generations of rulers. He remains a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and leadership, often considered the first true king of England.

Conclusion

Alfred the Great’s legacy as a warrior, reformer, and visionary leader endures today. He not only saved Wessex from Viking conquest but also transformed it into a culturally and politically advanced kingdom. His vision of a united and educated England paved the way for the nation’s future greatness.