Ælfræd

Ælfræd, often styled Alfred the Great, was King of Wessex from 871 to 899. He was the youngest son of King Æthelwulf of Wessex. His reign was largely defined by his efforts to defend his kingdom against Viking invaders. He is the only English monarch to be styled "the Great."

Alfred's early life was marked by the ongoing struggle against Viking incursions into Anglo-Saxon England. Following the death of his father and brothers, he ascended the throne during a period of intense conflict. The Great Heathen Army had already conquered much of the other Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and Wessex was facing significant threats.

Despite facing overwhelming odds, Alfred achieved a crucial victory at the Battle of Edington in 878, forcing the Viking leader Guthrum to retreat and eventually convert to Christianity. This victory marked a turning point, allowing Alfred to begin consolidating his power and reorganizing his kingdom. He implemented military reforms, establishing a network of fortified settlements known as burhs, and developed a new naval force.

Beyond his military achievements, Alfred was a patron of learning and literacy. He is credited with promoting education and translating important works into Old English, fostering a revival of Anglo-Saxon culture and intellectual life. He also commissioned the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a vital historical record. Alfred's reign laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of England under his successors. He died in 899, leaving a legacy as a skilled warrior, wise ruler, and dedicated scholar.