General Notes

Born in 849 in the royal manor of Wantage in Berkshire.  Apparently his mother encouraged their learning by showing Alfred and his brothers a beautifully illuminated book of poetry saying the one who could read it first could have it. Alfred, the youngest, was first.  As a young man he was his brother King Ethelred's supporter in the struggle against the marauding Vikings. In 868 he married Ealhswith by whom he had a large family. When in 871 he succeeded his brother Ethelwulf as king, most of England was in Danish hands. Even though they won several small victories and, in 875, a seabattle, the Danes had the upper hand. Alfred had to take refuge in 877 and, during this period of not being seen, stories emerged of his being disguised as a wandering minstrel and strolling into Danish camps to gather information. There was also the story of his burning the cakes he had been asked to watch.  In May 878, joined by English forces, he drove back the Danes to Chippenham. This was the turning point from which Alfred again emerged as King of England. Twice a year he called a great council which was the beginning of the English Parliament.  Apparently Alfred suffered from a strange, regularly re-occurring illness as recorded by Asser, Bishop of Sherborne. According to Sir Iain Moncreiffe of That Ilk, it might have been porphyria. Alfred died  26 October 899 and was buried at Winchester. His wife survived till 5 December 902.
Source: Leo van de Pas