why was King Alfred called 'the great"

why was King Alfred called 'the great"

1. defeated the Danes

   • He made the Treaty of Wedmore with Guthrum
     • Guthrum said he would leave Wessex because of Alfred keep some of the important Vikings as the hostage
   • Guthrum was made a Christian. Danelaw was established
   • Alfred was now the real ruler of England outside Danish lands.

2. Defending the kingdoms

   • Burhs- fortified towns (espec. around Wessex, Roman walls used if poss.)
   • Army- (fyrd) reorganized and always ready for action
   • Navy- A new fleet built to counter the Vikings at sea.

3. "Englands schoolmaster"

   • Alfred learned to read and write, in English and latin at aged nearly 40
   • Set up schools for sons and nobles
   • Translated books from Latin to 'Englic' (the Anglo Saxon which was mainly a spoken language) including Beds History

4. A keen historian

   • Started the Anglo Saxon Chronicle, a kind of a diary in years rather than days. From Alfreds time onwards it is very detailed; before his time it is rather sketchy. The A-S C was kept by monks in monasteries around England. (One goes up to 1154)
   • He wanted his people to know who they were and where they came from.

5. Lawgiver

   • Alfred the lawgiver is remembered through his book of Doom (law)
   • He took the most Laws from the other kingdoms and used them for Wessex for the Protection of his people

6. Alfred is thought of as a hero of the christian church

   • Built many fine buildings churches, monasteries and royal halls. Led well through his Christian example