King Alfred The Great Research Paper

Alfred the Great (886ce to 899ce) Alfred was the youngest of 5 children. When his father died in 858ce, his eldest son became king, and within 20 years all 4 of Alfred's brothers had died. This led Alfred to become king. As a young child Alfred loved learn and memorised poems. Being the last born son, Alfred was given a career in the church, but this was not what he desired to do, and instead he decided on a career as a scholar.

Alfred was not the average king. He encourages learning in young men and he loved to help protect people of all classes. In 870ce Alfred went to war against the Vikings, and the Battle of Ashdown was the first war the Vikings had lost. The Vikings had conquered all of the Anglo Saxon Kingdoms except Wessex (Alfred’s kingdom). Eight years later Alfre fought the Danish King and his army. With the surprise attack by the Danes, Alfred was lucky to escape with only a few of his men. Alfred the built his army and counter attacked the Danes. The battle was a fierce war. Alfred came out victorious and negotiated for the Vikings to turn to Christianity, they also had to remain on the Eastern side of Britain in Danelaw.

As a child Alfred was an eager learner.

Once he became king, he encouraged learning and literacy. He promoted this for men in nobility, even if they had little time to do so. Alfred made a statute of laws so that England could progress as a country. The statute declared a written law and provided a guideline for everyone to live by, it gave structure and improved obedience. In Alfred’s own

words,
‘Broad and deep… the enormous super structure’…
This is how the British Empire would be raised. Alfred is described as an
‘Honest, conscientious, disinterested and far-seeing statesmen.’
Alfred cared for his country and was a man who didn't care for wealth and money but lived for his land, country and people.

Alfred was a very loyal brother, he fought beside his brother in many battles. In 870ce the Danes arrived in Alfred’s homeland. 871ce has been declared ‘Alfred’s year of battles’ and during this time nine battles were fought. The first battle was the Battle of Edglefield, in Berkshire. Alfred defeated the Danes, and also won the next battle, the Battle of Ashdown. Later that same month Alfred’s army came to a crushing loss, but they struck back and were victorious in the following two battles.

Alfred the Great was truely ‘Great’, and he left an amazing legacy. Alfred created a kingdom, he built a home country for the English men, together with a native literature based on culture and tradition. He left no bitterness after his death. Alfred saved he land Wessex from distraction, he the. Spread the word of Christianity. Alfred saved lives because when he was king he didn't kill his enemies, instead choosing simply to convert then to Christianity. But most of all Alfred fulfilled his life goal. He is quoted as declaring,
‘My will was to live worthily as I lived, and after my life to leave then that should come after, my memory in good works’
-Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great 886ce to 899ce, lived a inspired and exhilarating life. He accomplished his life goals and led his country to be ‘Great’. He was a phenomenal King and strived for excellence. He created a law structure which stabilised his land. He fought hard in battles and despite both wins and losses, he never gave up. He truly deserves his title, ‘the Great