Key facts for Alfred Flashcards
In what year did Alfred become king?
871
What did the Great Heathen Army do in 870?
Rode to East Anglia from York and fixed their winter quarters at Thetford.
They fought King Edmund in the winter and killed him.
They went through the land destroying monasteries.
Their leaders were Ivar and Ubba.
They came to Medhamstead “burning and breaking and slaying abbots and monks”.
Who did the Great Heathen Army install on the throne in Northumbria in 866?
Aella
Why was the Isle of Thanet a weak point in Wessex?
The Scandinavians could take control of the Isle and use it as a centre for launching attacks and cross over using the Wantsum Channel.
It is also very close to Watling Street.
What is the importance of Watling Street?
It is close to the Isle of Thanet - they could easily march up this Street directly to London.
Why was the River Avon significant in the difficulty of defending Wessex?
It is the river that splits Wessex in half - makes it hard for the East and West to communicate. It also connects to the river Thames, which means if the Vikings sailed directly up this river it would lead them to London.
What was the significance of Ealdorman in the defence of Wessex in the 9th century?
They would oversee Shires which would make up fyrds.
Remained subordinate to the king during the time of Alfred.
What were weaknesses of the system of defence in Wessex?
- Peasants are not the most disciplined - needed for harvest.
- Issues with military ability
- Communication issues - Vikings were more mobile - Vikings had horseback
- Slow system in order for it to work
What was the incident with the change in personnel in 877/8/9?
- 7 of the 12 ealdorman that attest Alfred’s charters before 879 disappear.
- ealdorman striking - 877/8
- Charter in 901 in Edward the Elder’s reign refers to Ealdorman Wulfhere’s ‘desertion of his lord King Alfred and his country’
In what year did the Danes steal into Wareham and Alfred had to make peace - swore on the holy ring and were given hostages - they would leave his kingdom.
876
At what time did William of Malmesbury write?
After the Norman Conquest in the 12th century - he wanted to praise the English kings.
What fyrds met with Alfred at Ecgbert’s Stone before marching on to Chippenham in May 878?
- Hampshire
- Somerset
- Wiltshire
They numbered around 4000
What is the story that William of Malmesbury wrote about Alfred spying?
- He was dressed as a minstrel and entered a Danish camp to spy.
- This is not particularly plausible, although Alfred could have used spying.
What is the motive of the tale about the burning of the cakes and the swineherd’s wife?
- to show how all humans in the eyes of God, especially kings, needed to show humbleness and humility and accept chastisement when appropriate.
- They could then ask for God’s forgiveness.
What is the significance of the appearance of St Cuthbert?
- That he revealed that Alfred and his sons were the chosen kings of all Britain - he also told Alfred in a dream how to defeat the Vikings.
- This would enhance the status of Alfred and also the saint.
