Alfred Flashcards
(42 cards)
When did Alfred become king?
871
Why was Wessex difficult to defend before 871?
The large geographical spread and there were only two main roads
Where did Alfred fight his first battle as king?
Wilton
Who opposed Alfred’s succession to the throne?
Aethelwald
Who was Asser?
A monk who was friends with Alfred and wrote a biography of him
Where did Guthrum launch a surprise attack on Alfred in 878?
Chippenham
Where did Alfred flee to after the attack at Chippenham?
Athelney
In which year did Alfred capture London?
886
In which battle did Guthrum lose over 3000 soldiers in 877?
Exeter
Which three kingdoms were threatened most by Vikings between 865 and 871?
Northumbria, East Anglia and Mercia
What were the three categories of Wessex soldiery by 871?
Fyrds, Shires, Ealdorman
Which saint was said to have visited Alfred from Lindisfarne?
St Cuthbert
When was the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle published?
In the late 892/early 893
Which tactic did Anglo-Saxons and Vikings use before confronting each other head on?
guerrilla tactics
When did the Vikings return to England?
892
When was the treaty between Alfred and Guthrum made?
886-890
Why did the Vikings return in the 890s?
Continental defeats and food shortages
What did the return of the Vikings mean for Alfred?
Alfred consolidates power
Why was London captured by Alfred in 886?
He believed this would cement relations with Mercia and help restrict the Vikings to the Danelaw and it would help to ensure peace
Why was Alfred’s refuge at Athelney important?
It was important as it reassured the people that he has not fled the religion
Why did Alfred succeed against the vikings?
He understood he faced problems that were political, religious and cultural, instead of just military aptitude
What was the outcome at the battle of Wilton?
Alfred was defeated by the Danes
What were some of the effects of Alfred taking London?
He created a firmer bond with Aethelred by arranging a marriage of him with Aethelfraed
When did Asser arrive at Alfred Court?
885
