Alfred the Great and the Making of England Flashcards
1
Q
When was Alfred the Great born?
A
849
2
Q
When did Alfred the Great die?
A
899
3
Q
When did Alfred the Great inherit the throne?
A
871
4
Q
When did Alfred the Great capture London from the Danes?
A
886
5
Q
What are the names of Alfred’s brothers that he succeeded?
A
Aethelbald, Aethelbert, Aethelred
6
Q
Who was Alfred’s father?
A
Aethelwulf
7
Q
How did he help his people become more educated?
A
Invited scholars into his court and learnt latin to translate educational books
8
Q
What did Alfred believe about the viking raids?
A
They were a divine punishment for people’s sins and that people sinned due to the decline of learning.
9
Q
Who was Asser?
A
A Welsh monk and scholar who wrote the Life of King Alfred. Taught Alfred Latin and made Bishop of Sherborne
10
Q
How did Alfred rearrange the military to defend Wessex against the Danes?
A
Divided east and west, assigned posts, allowed soldiers to farm when off duty which provided food, captured viking ships and used them, made it defense orientated, set up network of burhs (fortification)
11
Q
What was the Great Heathen Army?
A
A viking army led by Halfdan, Ubbe, Ivar and Guthrum
12
Q
What was the Incident of the Swineherd’s Wife and the Burning of the Cakes?
A
Alfred, in disguise at Athelney, took shelter from a swineherd and was asked to look after cakes. Alfred fell asleep and the swineherd’s wife scolded him. Alfred apologised
13
Q
What did the Incident of the Swineherd’s Wife and the Burning of the Cakes aim to teach about Alfred?
A
That Alfred was humble and possessed the Christian quality of humility
14
Q
What was the Appearance of St. Cuthbert?
A
Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, disguised, asked Alfred for food. Alfred gave him half. Cuthbert reappeared in his dream and gave him rewards in food and information about the vikings
15
Q
What did the Appearance of St. Cuthbert aim to teach about Alfred?
A
He was kind and spiritual. Those who wrote this story wanted their saints to be included in Alfred’s success.
16
Q
What was Alfred’s Minstrel Impersonation?
A
Alfred, disguised as a minstrel, enters Guthrum’s viking camp to spy and after information is gathered, successfully leaves
17
Q
When did the Great Heathen Army arrive in East Anglia
A
865
18
Q
When did the vikings capture York in Alfred’s reign?
A
866
19
Q
Thegn
A
Below Ealdormen but has land from king and does military service
20
Q
Aethelwold
A
Son of Aethelred I
21
Q
Why was Alfred crowned instead of Aethelwold after Aethelred I died?
A
Surviving brother given right to pass on throne to his children instead of Aethelred’s child
22
Q
Battle of Wilton
A
871, First battle as king, made peace by offering money redirecting vikings to other kingdoms
23
Q
Viking Siege of Wareham
A
876, Second invasion of Wessex, Alfred blocked off approach to Wareham and offered another peace deal including an oath.
24
Q
What happens to the Viking army at Exeter?
A
877, Guthrum’s fleet experiences storm, 3000 soldiers lost, Alfred offers peace deal again, Guthrum ‘accepts’ and moves to Gloucester
25
Battle of Chippenham
Jan 878, Guthrum breaks peace deal and attacks at Epiphany and Alfred flees to Athelney in Somerset
26
Battle of Edington
May 878, Alfred returns from Athelney to battle Vikings and wins, forcing Guthrum to ally with him and settle in East Anglia
27
Rochester and Benfleet
885, Vikings from Francia attack Rochester. Alfred forces them out. Some manage to conspire with ex-vikings in East Anglia. Alfred attacks with fleets and Benfleet. Alfred was defeated
28
Treaty of Wedmore
886-890 Guthrum becomes baptised and all Vikings who settled in East Anglia must take an oath
29
What were the consequences of Alfred capturing London?
Forced all Englishmen to submit to Alfred, strengthened bond with Mercia as he shared authority with Ealdorman Aethelred (Lord of the Mercians), improved commerce of London
30
Viking attack on Lindisfarne, church of St. Cuthbert
793 Marked beginning of Viking Age for Europe. Showed viking's threat to Christendom
31
Why did the Vikings return in the 890s?
Vikings forced to flee Europe due to losing a battle in Francia and suffering from famine.
32
Why did the Viking return in the 890s threaten English defences?
The Viking Army from Europe and ex-vikings in Northumbria and East Anglia joined forces, increasing in size.
33
How did England claim victory over the Vikings in the 890s?
Organised fortification network of burhs and co-operation between all Saxons (Anglo-Saxon Chronicle helped create common identity between Saxons) made military action efficient.
34
What year was Asser's Life of King Alfred and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle published?
893
35
Ealdormen
Senior officials and landowners, collected tax and raised armies
36
Witan
Council of King's leading advisors and nobles which met to discuss matters affecting the country
37
Reeves
Senior official with local responsibilities e.g. collecting tax, enforcing law
38
Burhs
Fortified settlement under nobles often used for administration, commerce and defense. Placed 32km away from each other for communication
39
Burghal Hidage
First major record of an administrative system in England, recorded 33 burhs and their hides. There are two versions of it.
40
Hide
Measurement of land which was a farm enough to support a peasant family (about 120 acres)
41
Consequences of the burh system
Ended viking threats, introduced new codes of law
42
How were soldiers raised from the burh system?
1 man from each hide was to act as a guard therefore the amount of defense was proportional to the population
43
Why did Asser write the Life of King Alfred?
To encourage the Welsh to ally with Alfred.
44
Fyrds
Army raised from local, able-bodied men to defend their shire
45
When did Alfred's law code appear in writing?
880s-890s
46
What were Alfred's motives behind his law code?
To show his values and emphasise Christianity and the Mosaic laws
47
Main features of Alfred's law code
Life or death was decided for criminals using trials. Punishments were appropriate for the crimes. Oaths were taken seriously.
48
Why does Alfred the Great become more significant centuries after his death?
Inspired Charles I and II's reign, founded navy which was integral to the British Empire and he contributed to the defense of England which's remains are still present.
49
West Mercian Contingent
Group of West Mercian scholars who helped Alfred develop his program of learning. West Mercia had many scholars as they were unravaged by the vikings. (Included Plegmund, Werewulf, Werefurth and Athelstan
50
Charlemagne
Holy Roman Emperor and King of Francia lived 747-814. Had biography written about him by Einhard. Encouraged education and loved learning
51
Gregory's Pastoral Care
Written by Pope Gregory 590 to guide bishops in handling duties. Translated by Alfred and used by the Anglo-Saxons as a code of conduct for not only Bishops.
52
Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy
Written while Boethius was in prison before his execution (525). Included ideas such as denying self pity and accepting what God has intended for you. Alfred's translation included more Christian Ideas and converted Roman analogies into English ones to make it accessible to the English people e.g. applying philosophy to Viking raids
53
Augustine's Soliloquies
Written 4th century. Included ideas such as focusing on God and having good virtues and immortality of the soul. Alfred's translation included his own views about God.
54
When did Edward the Elder rule?
899-924
55
When was Edward the Elder born?
870s, 2nd child of King Alfred
56
Battle of the Holme
902-903, Aethelwold convinced East Anglian Danes to revolt, raiding the Kentish army which had stayed behind while Edward was fighting in Essex/East Anglia. Resulted in death of Eohric (Danish King of East Anglia) and Aethelwold
57
Did Edward the Elder have control over Mercia?
Mercia independent - had church and no charter of an overlordship from Edward
Edward control - Inherited Alfred's throne which had control over Mercia, coins in Mercia minted under West Saxon King, allied with Mercian army
58
What evidence suggests that Scandinavians assimilated into Northumbria and East Anglia?
Place names, material culture (such as pottery and gravestone patterns), genetics
59
How did Edward the Elder gain control of Danelaw and when?
920, conquered Manchester and restored old defenses. Scots, Welsh and Raegnald submitted to Edward. Burhs utilised from 911 to make Viking armies submit in areas and to threaten attack. Encouraged thegns to buy land in Danelaw. Raided Danelaw from 909
60
Edward's reasons for marriage
1st marriage: provide heir and secure lineage (no primogeniture at time), 2nd marriage: niece of aethelwold, granddaughter of aethelred to unite Wessex dynasty, 3rd marriage: daughter of Ealdorman from Kent for alliance across Wessex
61
How did Aethelwold initiate the attack on Edward's throne?
Seizes Wimborne where Alfred was buried
62
When did Edward take control of East Anglia?
917
63
When did Aethelflaed die?
918
64
When was Aethelstan born?
895
65
Aethelstan's mother
Rumoured to be 'low social status' for a royal wife or common prostitute, never wed
66
Where was Aethelstan brought up and why did this cause problems for him?
Mercia - nobles in Wessex didn't know or trust him when he came to power making him unpopular with the Witan
67
Aethelstan's brother, Edwin
Accused of spreading conspiracies against Aethelstan, sent away on a boat with no supplies which he threw himself out of and died
68
How did Aethelstan deal with Sihtric and take control of Northumbria?
Married his sister to him - he died a year later and Aethelstan took Northumbria
69
What was Aethelstan's relationship with surrounding ethnic groups?
Wales, Cornwall and Scotland paid homage to him early in his reign. However, Scots later collaborated with Irish Vikings to attack Aethelstan.
70
Battle of Brunanburh
937, Irish Vikings and Scots attack Aethelstan. English win, 5 kings and 7 earls die, Scottish king flees
71
What reforms did Aethelstan introduce?
Laws on theft, oppression, fraud, made provisions for the poor and reducing severity of punishments for young offenders
72
Viking threat from Ireland against Edward
Scots invade northern Ireland, Irish chiefs kick out vikings, Raegnald comes to England and captures York
73
When did Raegnald arrive in Northumbria, England?
914
74
When did Raegnald capture York?
919
75
When did Raegnald die?
921
76
Wessex plot (against Aethelstan)
West Saxon nobles plotted to blind Aethelstan to rid him of power as killing him would be a sin and give Aethelwaerd power instead however he died later.
77
When did Aethelstan take York?
927
78
What were the consequences of Aethelstan storming York?
Able to show military prowess, gained control over trading city, prevented York from becoming a center for the Vikings, rescued his sister, threatened Scots, established presence in the North
79
Why did the Battle of Brunanburh happen?
Scots made an alliance with Vikings from Ireland due to threats they felt from Aethelstan's capture of york and raid of Scottish territory from 934
80
Effects of Battle of Brunanburh
Scotland wasn't integrated into England as there were still independent factions in the North however Aethelstan had power from appointing positions e.g. Archbishop of York to spread Anglo Saxon influence
81
Reasons for why Aethelstan forged links with the continent
Religious connections, build allies against threats, consolidated power, received relics and manuscripts, scholars, spread royal family across Europe
82
Harald Fairhair
King of Norway, formed alliance with Aethelstan, sent his son Hakon to Aethelstan's court - Aethelstan later helped him reclaim the throne to Norway
83
Guthfrith
Sihtric's brother, tried to siege York after Sihtric died - Aethelstan burns down York, Guthfrith surrenders and submits becoming the King of Dublin
84
Law: I Aethelstan
Dealt with taxes towards the Church overseen by reeves. Believed it was for Godly protection
85
Law: II Aethelstan
Dealt with justice (thieves, coinage, trials). Children below 12 could not be punished for thievery. Enhanced reeves status. All shires had to pledge to follow the law.
86
Law: V Aethelstan
Thieves could be pardoned if they confessed, asked forgiveness and made up for the crime. If reeves neglectful = fined and/or fired
87
Law: IV Aethelstan
Assigned thieves death penalty. Everyone had the duty to kill them if they attempted to run. Reeves heavier fines and social consequences for neglecting duty.
88
Law: III Aethelstan
Subjects acknowledge laws and understood them to be implemented. Statement of appreciation from Kentish. May have acted as propaganda
89
Law: VI Aethelstan
Focused on law and order in London. Created London Peace Guild to combat thievery and other crimes. Revised death penalty of thieves to 15
90
What was the purpose of Aethelstan's law codes?
Showed consideration of subjects consent from King, laws were negotiable, discussed and rewritten, created to combat problems, emphasised Christianity and Anglo-Saxon identity
91
When was Edmund the Magnificent born and when did he die?
921-946
92
When did Edmund become king?
939
93
What problems did Edmund face regarding York?
Olaf Guthfrithson retook York 939 without opposition and raided the midlands 940. Olaf did not view army as threat and simply redirected attacks when he met them.
94
How did Edmund solve the issue of Olaf Guthfrithson?
Edmund surrounded York and a peace treaty negotiated by Archbishops. New borders = lost Northumbria, East Anglia and Mercia north of Watling Street. However, Edmund planned to regain land. + Olaf Guthfrithson dies 941 and Olaf Sihtricson replaces
95
When did Edmund regain the land he lost?
942 takes back Mercia, 944 takes back Northumbria.
96
Edmund's attack on the King of Strathclyde, Dunmail
945 Pre-emptive strike as Strathclyde were close with Danes. Ravaged and gave Strathclyde to Scottish King Malcolm. Blinded Dunmail's sons. Speculated to be supported by Welsh army. Dunmail retook land after few years.
97
Olaf Guthfrithson
Son of Guthfrith, ruled York. Defeated in the Battle of Brunanburh. Wanted revenge and retook York for a few years under Edmund. Died 941.
98
Raegnald Guthfrithson
Olaf Sihtricson's brother, replaced him as King of York 943. Driven out by Edmund 944.
99
Olaf Sihtricson
Son of Sihtric. Ruled York from 941. Said to be weak-willed. Fled when Raegnald took York
100
What problems did Edmund face with religious reformers and how did he resolve them?
Some members of church believed that people should follow the rule of St. Benedict/monasticism and less pious. Edmund appointed Dunstan I to act reforms. However some clergy at Bath disagreed which Edmund still allowed suggesting he didn't fully support the movement.
101
What main problems did Edmund focus on when writing laws?
Feuds and increasing runaway slaves. Tried to control (w/o banning) feuds/hostility between groups. Made harsher punishments for runaway slaves.
102
When did Eadred rule and when did he die?
946 and 955
103
What was Eadred's challenge of religious reform?
Close relationship with Dunstan, faced factional problems as east anglian court pro reform and wessex conservative court. Continued monastic reforms from Edmund. Appointed reformer Aethelwold. Delegated authority to Dunstan as he fell ill.
104
How did Eadred die?
Suffered illness
105
First Northumbrian rebellion during Eadred's reign
947 rebellion instigated by Wulfstan and Erik Bloodaxe. Eadred attacks Ripon 948 and razes it to ground. Northumbrian army counterattacks and defeats Eadred, angering him. Eadred threatens to destroy Northumbria turning half the Northumbrian nobles to his side. Renewed allegiance.
106
Second Northumbrian rebellion during Eadred's reign
~950-1 under Olaf Sihtriccsson who was then driven out and replaced by Erik in 952. Eadred arrests Wulfstan. Erik driven out of Northumbria and killed.
107
Erik Bloodaxe
Son of Harald Fairhair, King of Norway. Fierce warrior but inept ruler. Killed by Earl Maccus. Plotted by Earl Oswald who gained land after Bloodaxe was expelled - wanted to prevent him taking back land.
108
When did Edgar the Peaceful reign?
957-75
109
How did Edgar take the throne and from who?
Mercian and Northumbrian nobles swore allegiance to Edgar instead of Eadwig in 957 as Eadwig was seen as an uneffective ruler. Eadwig died 959
110
When was Dunstan recalled from exile?
959
111
When was Edgar coronated, how was his ceremony conducted and what was its effect?
973, ceremony where celtic nobility of England, Wales and Scotland rowed Edgar on a boat symbolising Saxon power over celts. Inspired modern coronation ceremonies. Likely the second consecration.
112
When was the secular clergy cleared out and why?
964 to get rid of corrupt and degenerate clergy
113
Regularis Concordia
Issued by Edgar 970s, set of monastic customs based on St. Benedict's rules. Written by Aethelwold
114
Aethelwold the Bishop of Winchester
Tutored Edgar. Close friends with Dunstan. Oversaw charters with Dunstan. Integral part of government. Wrote Regularis Concordia
115
What are the reasons speculated for Edgar's late consecration in 973?
He either had a consecration prior around 960-1 to cement his relationship with Dunstan for his religious reform or that he did it as it was the time when men were eligible to become bishops and when Jesus started preaching
116
What resulted from Aethelflaed's military campaigns?
Captured Derby and Leicesrer
117
Shipsoke (shipfyrd)
Naval recruitment based on land of 3 hundreds. Used by Aethelstan, formalised by Edgar. Strengthened navy. Placed under jurisdiction of church. Caused disputes between ealdormen (landowners) and church. Effective for administration.
117
When did Aethelred reign?
978-1016
118
I Edgar
Formalised the hundreds as an administrative unit
119
II-III Edgar
Protects interests of churches by connecting them to Edgar's ideas of monastic reform. Attention also given to secular matters about crime and justice.
120
IV Edgar
Included strict administration and punishments. Expected all groups to follow Edgar's one law code ensuring stability across Anglo-Saxon society.
121
Edgar's charters
Charters originate from one office = centralised government. Witness lists headed by archbishops. Made many references to women being given land
122
Coinage (Edgar)
Single currency shared across Anglo-Saxon society. Changed regularly (around every 6 years) designed around king. Coins cut to represent smaller fractions of the value.
123
When did the viking attacks begin in Aethelred's reign?
990s
124
When was England conquered by Swein?
1013
125
When was England conquered by Cnut (after Swein's death)?
1016
126
Problem of monastic reform for Aethelred during his younger years
Edward (the Martyr) supported monastic reform which wanted to expand religious houses and authority of church. Aethelred anti-monastic reform, wanted to regain authority and property lost. Characterised by regionalism suggesting a non-unified England. (reformers from east mercia and anglia, anti-reformers from west mercia, kent and northumbria)
127
Why was Edgar the Martyr not supported by some nobles?
Accused of being illegitimate as he was likely a product of incest
128
Why were the vikings stronger in Aethelred's reign?
Denmark started to become unified after failed attacks (Erik Bloodaxe proved raid and trade policy fail). Attacks centralised from royal family. Danes started to build fortresses similar to burhs.
129
Aethelred's allyship with Richard of Normandy
991, agreed both states prevent vikings using their territory as a base after Aethelred suspected vikings used France to cross into England.
130
Second Battle of Maldon
Byhrtnoth wins first battle, vikings return for revenge. Byrhtnoth gives second chance for actual battle, agrees on location near River Blackwater (viking advantage). Byhrtnoth dies in battle. Tribute introduced after Battle of Maldon
131
Total of Danegeld paid over Aethelred's reign
£107,000
132
Danegeld
Tax paid to Danish to save land being ravaged. Paid every 4 years and increased in price.
133
Ealdorman from Hampshire
992, gave secret plans to Vikings. Aethelred gave punishment by blinding his son
134
Eadric Streona
Married Aethelred's daughter, held in high esteem by Aethelred. Ealdorman of Mercia. Betrayed 1015 for Cnut. Cnut didn't trust him, executed him in 1017.
135
Wulfnoth Cild and Brihtric (Eadric Streona's brother)
Bihtric accuses Wulfnoth of crime. Wulfnoth (enraged) gets 20 ships and raids south coast. Bihtric follows with 80 ships. Both fleets in storm. Royal navy cut down in strength.
136
Sweyn Forkbeard
Raided England from 990s with Olaf Tryggvason. Returned 1003 and conquered 1013. Died 1014.
137
Thorkell the Tall
Christian Dane. Formed alliance with Aethelred 1015. Aethelred gave 40 ships and tribute. Had strong power base in Denmark. Turned to Cnut after brother was killed in Saxon rebellion after Swein's death.
138
Cnut rise to power
Became King of England 1014 after Swein's death. Saxons rebelled and asked Aethelred to return. Cnut comes back 1015 and tries to take York. Aethelred died and Cnut defeated Edmund, claiming Mercia. Edmund died 1016. Cnut becomes king and consolidates power by marrying Aethelred's widow.
139
Olaf Tryggvason
Raided England from 990s with Sweyn. Made alliance with Aethelred 994 and baptised. Used tribute to fund campaign to become King of Norway.
140
Edmund I
Aethelred's son. Recognised by Wessex as King after Aethelred died but defeated by Cnut. Claimed Wessex but not Mercia. Died 1016.
141
II Aethelred
Around 991-994, dealt with matters involving Vikings and Saxons and their truce including tribute. Governed trade with other countries.
142
III Aethelred
Reinforced role of senior officials. Jury system developed. Thegns and reeves act as witnesses. Dealt with punishments for counterfeiting. Moneyer of king suggests centralised control.
143
V Aethelred
1008, written by Archbishop Wulfstan. Dealt with governing and religion. Religious figures behaviour guided, punishments fair to crime.
144
VII Aethelred
1009, written by Archbishop Wulfstan. Advises nation to fast for 3 days and pay tax (tribute) to ward off Vikings. Written in response to Thorkell's invasion
145
VIII Aethelred
1014, written by Archbishop Wulfstan to emphasise importance of the church and to pay homage to past kings while criticising Aethelred (e.g. the church has been neglected since the reign of Edgar)
146
Why did Aethelred introduce a new law code?
To gain peace and stability, make a fair and efficient legal system, control coinage and strengthen church.
147
Why did cultural development occur in Aethelred's reign?
The production of literary work by leading monastic reformers by Wulfstan and Aelfric
148
Wulfstan the Homilist
Active in Aethelred's reign. Archbishop of York. Drafted 3 of Aethelred's laws. Works distributed widely. Linked suffering of England to the decline of monasticism and death of Edward the Martyr.
149
Aelfric
Monk/abbot who produced educational books on Latin and literary works on the church, the antichrist, vikings and how to subdue threats. Produced biographies on saints.
150
Aethelweard
Great-great-grandson of Aethelred I. Witnessed many charters. Leading Ealdorman under Aethelred II. Wrote Latin translation of Anglo-Saxon Chronicle with added material. Convinced Olaf Tryggvason to ally with the Saxons.
