Alfred the Great (r. 871-899) was the king of Wessex in Britain but came to be known as King of the Anglo-Saxons after his military victories over Viking adversaries and later successful negotiations with them. He is the best-known Anglo-Saxon king in British history thanks to his biographer Asser (died c. 909) and that work's impact on later writers.
More about: Alfred the GreatDefinition
Timeline
-
849 - 899Life of King Alfred the Great.
-
865 - 871Alfred the Great serves as military commander under his brother King Aethelred I against Viking raiders.
-
871 - 899Reign of King Alfred the Great of Wessex.
-
871Alfred the Great becomes king of Wessex following Aethelred I's death.
-
c. 874 - c. 877The future Anglo-Saxon king Edward the Elder is born.
-
878Vikings take Chippenham in surprise attack; Alfred driven into exile.
-
878Alfred mobilizes his forces and defeats Vikings at the Battle of Eddington.
-
c. 880 - c. 886Alfred implements his famous reforms of military, law, education, and infrastructure of Britain.
-
886Alfred takes London from the Vikings; is recognized as king outside of Wessex.
-
899Death of Alfred the Great; succeeded by his son Edward the Elder.
