King Alfred The Great & The Vikings
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- Опубліковано 6 лип 2024
- Alfred The Great
Join Chris Green (The History Chap) for the story of Alfred the Great and the Vikings.
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Alfred of Wessex is the only king in English history to be given the title of “The Great.”
Alfred the Great is remembered by countless people as the man who burnt some cakes and also by fans of Bernard Cornwall’s “The Last Kingdom” as the ruthless (a pious) king to whom Uhtred of Bebbanburg has a love/hate relationship.
But what is the real story behind one of the greatest hero’s in English history?
Chapters
0:00 Anglo Saxon England
3:25 Great Heathen Army
9:00 The Last Kingdom
14:35 Guthrum
19:00 Battle of Edington
22:25 Alfred The Great
26:15 The History Chap
#alfredthegreat #greatheathenarmy #vikings
#kingalfredthegreat #kingalfred #guthrum
Alfred the Great became king of Wessex (in Anglo-Saxon England) in 871 upon the death of his brother.
At this time, there was no country called England but a series of separate Anglo Saxon Kingdoms - Northumbria, Mercia, East Anglia and Wessex.
The first major viking raid on England had occurred back in 793 when the monastery at Lindisfarne had been sacked.
For the next 70 years, Viking attacks increased but in 865 the Anglo Saxons were faced with a viking enemy who nearly strangled the concept of England at birth - The Great Heathen Army.
The Great Heathen Army was a force of 3,000 warriors commanded by Ivar the Bonless - a son of the legendary Viking warrior, Ragnar Lothbrok.
By 866 they had captured the city of York in Northumbria and established the viking kingdom of Jorvik.
Ivar the Bonelss then turned his attention to the kingdom of Mercia, capturing Nottingham.
Having been paid a Danegeld (bribe) to leave, the Great Heathen Army moved on to East Anglia where they defeated King Edmund, the Martyr.
Now there was only one Anglo-Saxon kingdom left - Wessex was, quite literally, the “Last Kingdom.”
Part of the Great Heathern Army under Guthrum invaded Wessex and in January 871 they defeated the army of Wessex at the Battle of Reading before then being defeated by the king of Wessex at the battle of Ashdown.
Within a few months of this victory, the king of Wessex, Aethelred died, and the Witan elected his younger brother, Alfred, as king.
Alfred paid a Danegeld to Guthrum who withdrew into Mercia.
However, on the 6th January 878 Guthrum launched a surprise attack on Alfred’s royal residence at Chippenham.
Alfred managed to escape the carnage and fled to the relative safety of the Somerset marshes (now drained as the Somerset Levels).
Having spent 3 months in hiding, Alfred re-emerged and gathered an army which proceeded to win a stunning victory over Guthrum and his vikings at the Battle of Edington.
Guthrum sued for peace the two leaders agreed to split England into two spheres.
To the west was Alfred’s kingdom and half of the once might Mercia.
To the east, was viking territory - which would eventually be called the Danelaw.
Rather like Offa of Mercia a century before hand, Alfred now started styling himself “Rex Anglorum” king of the English.
However, when he died in 899, Alfred only ruled half of England.
There were as many English living under Danish (Viking) rule as under his.
Nevertheless, Alfred had saved the Anglo Saxons from being overrun and had built the launchpad for his children (Edward the Elder and Athelflaed, Lady of the Mercians) to push back the vikings and for his grandson, Aethelstan, to finally unify the disparate regions into a new kingdom - England.
Alfred The Great died in 899 having been king of Wessex for 28 years.
He is the only king of England to have been given the title “The Great”.
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Chris Green Communication Ltd t/a The History Chap. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Chris Green Communication Ltd does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
I love how Bernard Cornwell brought this part of history to life through his Uhtred of Bebbanburg sagas. Great video.
I did see part of “the winter king’ tv program by Cornwell. I’m afraid I can’t trust a man who puts quite so many sub-Saharan Africans in an ancient British setting. When I hear his name or see his books I remember that he put his name to this and move on quickly.
Another well-researched and fascinating story of how Alfred the Great held off the marauding Vikings and kept a part of England under Anglo-Saxon rule…until 1066 when descendants of these Vikings or Norsemen who have occupied northern France, led by William, Duke Of Normandy, would invade England, and at the Battle of Hastings defeat the Anglo-Saxons under Harold Godwinson, thus started the Norman conquest of England, and the succession of kings that followed under the House of Normandy-which in turn ended in 1154 when the Plantagenets came into power in Britain. Thank you so much for helping us history buffs appreciate the stories behind these periods that ultimately shaped England.
Glad you enjoyed.
I like your irony of vikings from Normandy winning after all.
Here's another one...William's army at Hastings consisted of Bretons, many of whome were descended from Britons who had fled the Anglo Saxon invasion!
@@TheHistoryChap And these Britons who fled England into Brittany, France-were Celts just like the Welsh who predated the Anglo-Saxons in Britain. Now we’re really connecting the dots. Luv this history.
I read a book about Alfred as a young boy at school and it started my fascination with history. Thanks for covering this great man and I look forward to hearing more about this period of history
I want to do more about Anglo-Saxon England and other periods in British history. Somehow need to balance with my very lively military history following.
Very well done my wife and I really enjoyed it. Thank you!
Thanks, Garry.
The most underrated and crucial part of English history
Fascinating period too.
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I think he deserves the appelation 'The Great'. As well as being successful at war, he was an able diplomat, a scholar, and administrator. As you mentioned he got the system of burghs into use, and changed the fyrd into a army with a system of rotation so that it was always ready to go. He also created a navy of sorts, so the English could meet the Danes at sea when needed. I think the first part of the bible translated into English was done at his behest.
He titled himself King of the English as you said. I think it was Aethelstan after him who first used the title King of England.
Great summary as to why he deserves the title “Great”. And you are correct about Athelstan too.
@@TheHistoryChap oh cool, thx!
I can't thank you enough for all your excellent videos. I have enjoyed everyone
Keith, thanks for your support.
As a proud Northumberlian thank you for a fantastic video
My pleasure.
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Loved your story of Alfred the Great, it came across as though you really enjoyed researching the facts. Keep up the good work. What's next?
Thanks, Richard.
Next up is the story of what happened to the Victoria Cross winners after the battle of Rorke's Drift. I visited 4 of their graves last week and some sad stories to tell.
After that, the covered-up story of Operation Tiger - when hundreds of allied troops practising for D-Day were killed by friendly fire in Devon.
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Chris
The Last kingdom is a rare series in terms of artistry but also historical authenticity. It is exceptional (much better than Game of Thrones). Thank you for a more concise history Mr Green, Alfred deserved his title as few leaders ever do.
David, many thanks.
Love "The Last Kingdom" books. The TV series not as good as it tries to condense the stories but still more fun than a lot of rubbish on television!
Chris
"The Last Kingdom" books are indeed enjoyable. Better than the telly series. Bernard Cornwell's historical novels are a great way to learn about history. Although some characters are his own invention, he makes no secret of that and they live in times accurately (as accurately as we know, that is) portrayed. As for documentaries on the telly, they vary from the simple to well researched programmes it seems. I think some of them could do with watching a few "The History Chap" episodes. Keep up the good work.
Another gem thank you looking forward to your next chat 👍👍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Many thanks.
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Chris
Hi love the story, I live in Wantage, where we have a statue of Alfred in the main square, story has it that he started schools in the area.
I remember seeing that statue about 20 years ago.
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I remember the first Time Team episode that did geo-phiz over the field where Alfred supposedly had his main camp, and discovered a long lost cathedral. Tony Robinson told that same story about Alfred and the burnt bread adding a few theatrical flourishes to spice it up. Then a few years later Time Team was welcomed back only this time they were allowed to dig. They discovered the area of Alfred's camp to be further west, remains of the wall that closed off the high ground and evidence of metal working. Their work wrote a new chapter in Alfred's saga, and why he really was Alfred the Great.
Thank you so much for sharing. "Time Team" has helped so many people re-discover their interest in history.
Excellent video. As an aside would you ever consider telling the story of the voyages of Captain James Cook?
Thanks Leonidas.
I haven't thought about telling the story of Captain James Cook but I will add it to my (ever-growing) list.
excellent, looking forward to the next one, thanks
Many thanks Tim.
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I really enjoyed the video today thanks Chris
My pleasure Cameron.Please make sure to subscribe for future videos.
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Really enjoyable. Keep 'em coming!
Many thanks, Tony.
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Great channel. Thanks.
Glad you like it.
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We see plenty of junk TV about this period in history, but very little with much factual content, save the occasional Michael Wood programme. Great job in unraveling this little known part of our history!
Mike, thank you so much for your kind words.
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great storytelling!
Many thanks. Glad you enjoyed.
I do love alfred the great. What a man in our history he was. I have noticed in recent years his story and the story of his sons is being talked about more which is fantastic. Also when we gonna get the lady of mercia video. No pressure 😉
Jordan, thanks for your kind comments.
Anglo-Saxon history is one of my favourites.
Planning to do a Lady of the Mercians video in the non too distant future.
Just need to balance it with all my supporters who enjoy later history.
Really interesting history! 👍
Glad you enjoyed.
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Chris
Really enjoying your videos sir!
Thank you. I have loads planned for the coming year.
@@TheHistoryChap excellent! I will keep an eye out
Hi Chris it's great perfomance and l share your opinion bout Alfred/ Churchill This man was a really Great till today for the English! I confess Cornwells Uthred saga (the books only) is enjoying but your feature is historical top notch! Guthrum sounds like Goodroom. And all of the earlier chronics read Danish at most. Best regards from Northern Germany Ludwig.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching
Very interesting
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
somewhere around 6:20 , the names become REALLY interesting. Right up there with David St. Hubbins , lead player of SPINAL TAP @ the Isle of Lucy. - Stay on the guns , lad
Thanks for commenting.
A fascinating time in our past
Why do so few remember how England came to be? ,
or the time between the Romans and Norman Conquest ?
The later Dark Ages maybe,but then King Alfred
shone brightly when needed,deservedly .
His legacy and descendents laid strong foundations for
what would shape this Land .
Pity he's not more renowned or portrayed as later
Middle Ages Kings or Queens that are endlessly
mentioned in history lessons and debates
yet achieved less...apart from having
far more films made about them...
Fascinating period of our history. Actually one of my favourites
great talk & shirt
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for watching.
I'm a MacAulay. Descendant from the Kings of the Isles and Ivar was my ancestor.
Doubt my ancestry is so interesting!
@@TheHistoryChap At this point, everyone is related to a king, queen. You just need to go back far enough.
Sounds like riding around Wessex was a right pain in the arse for Alfred
Boom boom!
Great video. Any news on the Æthelflæd Lady of Mercia video?
I have all the material. Just need to schedule some filming and editing time.
Just a small point of correction. At 22.38 you say Farnham in Hampshire. It's in Surrey on the border with Hants. The battle is referred to in Bernard Cornwall's excellent book series 'The Last Kingdom'. I emailed the man asking if he had any research on the battle as I was resident in Farnham at the time. He replied bless him saying he found very little. There appears to be a few possible sites for the battle. Thanks for some great content.
where would these sites be i know farnham pretty well having grown up in and around there
@@dickturban8706 When the bypass was put in in I think the 60's there were some Saxon remains found. Bourne woods is also talked about as a possible site. Odd that the opening battle from Gladiator was filmed there..the irony if it was the actual site! And up on the old Army training ground behind the Sandy Hill estate. High ground of the area so seems a good possibility. But bottom line - no one actually knows. I spent a fair bit of time researching it with the Farnham museum staff. But no real evidence.
@@alienfish8396 thats very interesting thank-you. my brother was a extra in that opening battle hes from wrecclesham. ive only just found this history chap recently but ive learnt some-thing to-day thank-you
Thanks for posting. It seems you have aroused a fair bit of interest.
@@TheHistoryChap i find your videos very interesting history at school was my top subject often finishing in the top two during exams darn tracy drinkwater it was either me or her. any-way i have many books on the zulu wars and the vikings which interest me very very much but ive carried on from when i left school learning so much. ive visited many famous battle sites in the uk but rorkes drift is my goal
Another point about Christians being viking targets, in those days priests tended to be highly educated (capable of reading and writing) not to mention passive which would make them a wonderful target for slavery. So a medival monestsry was essentially a golden picnic for them
Very good point, Corey.
It is nice to know that even in England, y'all know Springer when you see it! LOL three husbands and not even 20 years old! She was born for royalty let me tell you what, bro. I imagine England must have been an interesting place to live and die in the 8th century, well done, another success 🙌 👏 👍
I find it a fascinating period.
To go awiking , even Saxons in the crew
Let's be honest in a society where social mobility wasn't really happening it probably seemed like a good career choice for some Anglo-Saxons.
my grandfather's first name was Ethelbert. I've always wondered why. Perhaps this gives me a hint.
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What did his friends call him? 🤔
@@tebelshaw9486 EJ (Ethelbert Jackson). He was a doctor at the turn of the century and you'd be astounded how many EJs there were from people naming babies after him in gratitude.
@@j.svensson7652 That's quite a legacy!! 👍
@@tebelshaw9486 He was a pioneer doctor in New Mexico. Came out in 1908. Made a huge name for himself. I miss him so much.
""KING CANUTE.....THEN.....WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR 1066""......HASTINGS...KING HAROLD SHOT IN THE EYE !!""
Not exactly sure what your point is…
Ethelfleds story please.
I will add it to my ever-growing list
Until......1066....when..King Harold...Fell... shot in the Eye at Hastings
Thanks for commenting
Was not Alfred give The Great moniker due to his efforts in literacy and education amidst other cultural achievements to medieval society at the time in "England".
Along with his military exploits. it was part of a Wessex narrative about the forging of England under their leadership.
Hello everyone 🦖✌️🌻🚜
Hello. I hope that you enjoyed.
And the battle of Cynwit?
Another great victory, although Alfred himself was not present by all accounts.
Your videos are great thank you Chris. @@TheHistoryChap
I have to wonder if someday historians will say, "At one time there was a country called the United States, that was made up of 50 separate states." 🤔
Interesting perspective.
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Yeah the word Viking was something that you did not something that you were
That’s correctly
If the Vikings were overwhelmingly superior militarily, why accept a gold 'payoff' when they could take the whole city or country ? Did they use the gold to be good, paying citizens in other places in Europe ?
I guess, because they had the manpower to win battles but not to control a country afterwards. Also, for a long time they weren't interested in land. They just wanted a wealthier lifestyle back home.
To set sail to rob, kill, rape and enslave was to "go viking" for the Danes. So those who were involved were termed, "Vikings". If the venture was to settle a place for farming purposes ( to Iceland & Greenland for example), the participants were not strictly "Vikings".
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
How was it Alfred was a Saxon yet part of Germany was also known as Saxony?
Because the Anglo-Saxons partly came from the area of north west Germany.
@@TheHistoryChap Thank you very much for your kind reply. Did this have any role in the Saxe-Coburg line becoming the Windsors? Obviously I have some ancient history to learn.
Typical of the English of course - here we have one of the Greatest Kings going that pulls Wessex out of all sorts of evil things - and all they can do is complain about how he was a Rubbish Baker!
But they didn’t tell him to his face, they just tutted in a passive aggressive way :)
The Scottish well Dal Riada gave them wounds not gold.
Thank you for sharing