Alfred the Great

Collier's New Encyclopedia (1921)

King of the West Saxons, was born at Wantage, Berkshire, in 849, and in 853 was taken to Rome. The fifth and youngest son of King Ethelwulf, he succeeded to the crown in 871, on the death of his brother Ethelred. By that time the Danes had overrun most of England N. of the Thames. The victory of Ashdown, won ALFRED THE GREAT chiefly by Alfred's bravery, just before his accession, gave only a temporary check to their incursions into Wessex; and in that same year the West Saxons fought eight other battles against them. In 878 Guthrum, King of the Danes of East Anglia, suddenly burst into Wessex. Alfred could make no effectual resistance, and, seeking refuge in the marshes of Somerset, raised a fort at Athelney. In May he defeated the Danes at Edington, Wiltshire; and by the Peace of Wedmore, Guthrum had to receive baptism, and to acknowledge the supremacy of Alfred, who retained the country S. of the Thames and most of Mercia, while ceding to the Danes East Anglia and the rest of Mercia. In 884 Alfred sent a fleet against the Danes of East Anglia; in 886 he took and fortified London; and about the same time Northumbria made submission to him-thus he became overlord of all England. On the whole, he enjoyed a much-needed period of peace, till 893, when a fresh swarm of Danes, under Hasting, invaded the country. They were supported by their fellowcountrymen in East Anglia and Northumbria, and for four years gave much trouble. Alfred died Oct. 27, 901, and was buried at Winchester.