Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great (849 - 26 Oct 899) was a king of Wessex (871–899), a Saxon kingdom in southwestern England. He prevented England from falling to the Danes and promoted learning and literacy.

Alfred was born at Wantage, Oxfordshire, the son of Aethelwulf, King of Wessex and Kent (d. 13 January, 858) by his spouse Osburgha (d.c854). In 868AD he married Ealhswitha, daughter of an Ealdorman (Earl) of Mercia.

Alfred died and was buried in Winchester, Hampshire. He was succeeded by his son Edward 'The Elder', King of Wessex (c.874 - 17 July 924).

Sources

• Humble, Richard, The Saxon Kings, BCA., London, 1980, p.57.
• Prévite-Orton, C. W., The Shorter Cambridge Medieval History, Cambridge, 1952, vol.1, p.382.

External links

Encyclopedias

• Ancient History Encyclopedia: Alfred the Great
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Alfred
• Encyclopedia Britannica 1911 Edition: Alfred the Great
• Encyclopedia.com: Alfred the Great