Alfred the Great Biography and Timeline — Page 2

Siege of Chippenham

After Edington Alfred besieges Guthrum's force at Chippenham for about two weeks until the Danes sue for peace.

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Surrender of Guthrum's Danes

Guthrum's Danes surrender at Chippenham after Alfred's victory at Edington and subsequent siege.

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Surrender of Guthrum's Danes

The Danes retreat to Chippenham after Edington and surrender after Alfred besieges their stronghold.

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Terms of Surrender

Alfred requires Guthrum to give hostages, leave Wessex and accept Christian baptism.

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Royal Authority

After defeating Guthrum, Alfred rebuilds royal authority across Wessex and restores confidence in his rule.

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Baptism

Guthrum is baptised at Aller after his surrender, with Alfred standing as his sponsor.

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Exile of Alfred the Great

Alfred flees to the stronghold of Athelney and the Somerset marshes after the Danish attack on Chippenham.

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Exile of Alfred the Great

Alfred seeks refuge in the Isle of Athelney after the Danish surprise attack on Wessex.

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Exile of Alfred the Great

Alfred hides from the Vikings in the marshes of Athelney in Somerset before rebuilding his army.

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Peace of Wedmore

Alfred concluded a peace requiring Guthrum to leave Wessex and accept Christianity.

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Peace of Wedmore

The settlement after Edington requires Guthrum to accept baptism and leave Wessex with his army.

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Reform of Armed Forces

After Edington Alfred uses peace to reorganise the army and strengthen the defence of Wessex.

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Rule of Wessex

After the Edington settlement the Danes agree to withdraw from Wessex and Alfred restores royal authority.

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Treaty of Wedmore

Guthrum accepts baptism and agrees to withdraw from Wessex, preparing the way for a later territorial settlement.

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East Anglia Settlement

Guthrum's army settles in East Anglia, allowing Alfred time to strengthen Wessex against future invasions.

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Peace

Alfred maintains peace with Guthrum after the Danish army leaves Wessex and moves toward East Anglia.

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Burh System

Alfred develops a network of fortified towns to provide refuge, administration and rapid military response against Viking attack.

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Domestic Reform

Alfred reorganises local defence by linking military service, landholding and fortified burhs across Wessex.

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Reform of Royal Succession

Alfred reforms military service so part of the army remains active while others work their lands.

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Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

Alfred and Guthrum agree terms that recognise their territories and regulate relations between English and Danes.

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Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum defines boundaries and rules for peace, trade and compensation.

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Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

The treaty sets out rules on legal compensation, trade and dealings between Alfred's people and Guthrum's people.

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Reform of Military

Burhs are established across southern England as fortified assembly points for the fyrd.

Settlement of East Anglia

The Danish army settles in East Anglia, reducing the immediate threat to Wessex.

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Rule of Mercia

Aethelred, Lord of the Mercians, accepts Alfred's overlordship and becomes his principal Mercian ally.

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Royal Administration

Alfred develops a more organised royal administration to support defence, justice and local government.

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Breaking of Peace

A Viking force from East Anglia breaks peace with Alfred and renews pressure on southern England.

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Siege of Rochester

Alfred relieves Rochester after a Viking force attempts to besiege the town.

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Occupation of London

Alfred occupied and restored London, strengthening the frontier facing the Danelaw.

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Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

Alfred agreed a frontier and commercial settlement with Guthrum for English and Danish communities.

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Lordship of the English

After restoring London, Alfred gains wider recognition from English peoples not living under Danish rule.

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Peace

Alfred's peace with Guthrum recognises a boundary between English and Danish-controlled territories.

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Restoration of London

Alfred restores London and entrusts it to Aethelred, Lord of the Mercians, under West Saxon overlordship.

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Education

Alfred begins learning Latin as part of his programme to revive learning in Wessex.

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Learning Programme

Alfred gathers scholars at his court to revive learning among clergy, nobles and royal officials.

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Asser

The Welsh scholar Asser joins Alfred's circle and helps record and support the king's programme of learning.

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Mercian Marriage

Alfred's daughter Aethelflaed marries Aethelred, strengthening West Saxon influence in Mercia.

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Education Reform

Alfred promotes learning among freeborn young men so that royal officials and clergy can read English texts.

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Law Code

Alfred issues a law code combining biblical principles, earlier West Saxon law and royal judgement.

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Reform of Government

Alfred strengthens the militia, fleet and fortified burh system to defend Wessex against renewed Viking attacks.

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