Alfred the Great: The Forgotten King Who Saved Christian England
This is the story of Alfred the Great, the greatest king many have never heard of and a monarch whose impact on history is immeasurable.
I embrace the purpose of God
– King Alfred the Great
In the annals of English-speaking history, few figures loom as large as King Alfred the Great. Yet, for a monarch of such profound significance, he remains surprisingly unknown. This is the story of the king who saved his kingdom from the brink of collapse and laid the foundations for a unified England that shaped the West.
Alfred ascended to the throne of the Kingdom of Wessex in AD 871, a kingdom in the south of England under relentless assault from Viking invaders. At a time when the very survival of Anglo-Saxon England hung in the balance, Alfred emerged as a beacon of resilience and leadership. He was a warrior-king who led his forces in battle, a shrewd strategist who understood the need for both military might and diplomatic finesse.
Alfred’s reign was a turning point in English history. He not only repelled the Viking onslaught but also laid the groundwork for the unification of England under a single crown. He fostered a sense of national identity and cultural revival, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape the nation.
The Lord your God, who goes before you, will himself fight for you, just as He did for you in Egypt before your eyes
– Deuteronomy 1:30
Alfred’s legacy also extends far beyond the battlefield. He was a visionary ruler who recognised the importance of education and literacy, establishing schools and promoting the translation of key Christian texts into Old English. He was a lawgiver who codified and reformed the legal system, ensuring greater justice and order within his realm.
Very often it has come to my mind what men of learning there were formerly throughout England.. and how nowadays… we would have to seek them outside… Thanks be to God Almighty that we now have any supply of teachers… As often as you can, free yourself from worldly affairs so that you may apply that wisdom which God gave you wherever you can. Remember what punishments befell us in this world when we ourselves didn’t cherish learning nor transmit it to other men
– King Alfred the Great
Alfred the Great’s Christian faith was deeply intertwined with his kingship and worldview. He was a devout and God-fearing man, believing that his authority and responsibilities were divinely ordained by the Lord Jesus Christ. His writings, particularly his translations of religious texts and his legal code, reflect a strong commitment to Christian principles of justice, mercy, and order.
For the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory
– Deuteronomy 20:4
King Alfred saw his struggles against the Vikings not just as a defence of the Kingdom of Wessex, but also as a defence of Christendom. He actively promoted biblical learning and monastic reform, viewing education and literacy as essential tools for strengthening the faith and the kingdom. His deep religious convictions permeated his policies and actions, shaping his image as not only a powerful king but also a righteous and God-fearing ruler.
The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good
– Proverbs 15:3
I’ve been reading the words of King Alfred in the book, Alfred the Great: Asser’s Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources, edited by Michael Lapidge and Simon Keynes. This collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of King Alfred, primarily through Asser’s Life of King Alfred, but also supplemented by other crucial contemporary documents. For anyone interested in Alfred, the Anglo-Saxon period, or the formation of England as a Christian nation, this book is special.
Asser’s biography, while sometimes hagiographic in its portrayal of Alfred, remains the primary source for understanding his reign. It details his struggles against the Viking invasions, his strategic brilliance in battle, and his significant contributions to education, law, and the overall strengthening of his kingdom. We learn about Alfred’s illnesses, his deep faith in Christ, and his dedication to learning, painting a portrait of a complex and remarkable ruler. While some historians debate the complete authenticity of certain passages, the overall value of Asser’s work is undeniable.
Since through God’s authority and my own you have enjoyed the office and status of wise men, yet you have neglected the study and application of wisdom. For this reason, I command you either to relinquish immediately the offices of worldly power that you posses, or else to apply yourselves much more attentively to the pursuit of wisdom
– King Alfred the Great
What makes this edition particularly valuable is the inclusion of other contemporary sources. These supplementary texts, such as the extracts from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, provide different perspectives and corroborate or expand upon Asser’s narrative. They offer a broader context for Alfred’s reign, illuminating the political landscape, the social conditions, and the challenges faced by the Anglo-Saxon kingdom. Having elements of these sources together in one volume allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the period.
Lapidge and Keynes’ editorial work is exemplary. Their introduction provides valuable insights into the historical context and the challenges of interpreting the sources. The notes and commentary throughout the book are informative and helpful, clarifying difficult passages and offering different interpretations of key events. They guide the reader through the complexities of the Old English language and the historical debates surrounding Alfred and his era. Forty percent of the book is the original text with commentary and the other sixty percent is sources and notes, with profound context explanation. However, the book isn’t a light read. The language, while translated, can still be dense and require careful attention.
In summary, Alfred the Great: Asser’s Life of King Alfred and Other Contemporary Sources is a vital resource for anyone serious about studying this pivotal period in English history. While it requires a dedicated reader, the rewards are substantial. It offers a unique window into the life of one of England’s most celebrated kings and provides the essential building blocks for understanding the foundations of the English nation. It’s a book that belongs on the shelf of every medieval history enthusiast who wants to understand how Christianity shaped England, and later Britain.
During my visit to Winchester, I was struck by the imposing statue of Alfred the Great, which dominates the city centre. Designed by Hamo Thornycroft and commissioned in 1899 to mark the millennium of Alfred’s death, it was completed in 1901. Standing there, you get a sense of the historical significance of Alfred the Great, the Saxon monarch who was one of the founders of England. Despite Alfred’s importance to Winchester, very little else remains from his time and therefore the statue serves as a powerful reminder of his legacy.
By Paul Backholer. Find out about Paul‘s books here.
