Why is King Alfred called 'the Great?'

Why is King Alfred called 'the Great?'

1. HE DEFEATED THE DANES

   • Battle at Edington 878
   • Made the Treaty of Wedmore (AD 886)
     • Guthrum and his army would leave Wessex
     • Important Vikings were left behind as hostages to prevent future attacks
     • Guthrum agreed to become a Christian
   • Danelaw was established
     • East. (Where Danish law ruled)
   • Alfred was now the real ruler of England outside Danish lands
     • Danish lands in North and East

2. DEFENDED THE KINGDOM

   • Burhs - fortified town (espec. around Wessex, Roman walls used if poss.)
     • Walls to protect
   • Army (fyrd) reorganized and always ready for action
     • Split in two - one half farming and working and other ready for attack- then swap
   • Navy - a new fleet built to counter the Vikings at sea
     • as they come from overseas

3. 'ENGLAND'S SCHOOL MASTER'

   • Alfred learnt to read and write, In English and Latin at aged nearly 40!
   • Set up schools for sons of nobles
     • because education had drastically fallen during the attacks
   • Translated books form Latin to 'Englisc'
     • The Anglo-Saxon which was mainly a spoken language
     • Including 'Bede's History'
   • Also brought talented European scholars (and craftsmen) across the chanel

4. A KEEN HISTORIAN

   • Started the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
     • A kind of diary in years rather than days
     • From Alfred's time onwards it is very detailed
       • Before his time it was rather sketchy
     • The ASC 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. Conclusiom

   • Alfred is the only English king called 'the great' he earned his title
     • governed well and fairly, making it a much more happier and developed country
   • When he dies in 899, Wessex was a stronger, safer, better place.
   • Alfred can be seen as the first king of all England. (thanks to the Vikings)
     • even called 'King of the English' on coins

6. LAWGIVER - BOOK OF DOOMS (LAWS)

   • He took the most just laws from the other kingdoms and used them for Wessex
     • To protect his people
   • Wrote the book that had all the laws

7. ALFRED AS A HERO OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

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