The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum

Question 1

What was the purpose behind the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum?

Answer 1

In the face of events of 885-886, there was a resultant need to clearly divide England between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings

Question 2

Where was the boundary roughly set, as a part of the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum?

Answer 2

Following Walting Street down the centre of the country (creating the ‘Danelaw’)

Question 3

What was a wergild

Answer 3

Compensation payment

Question 4

What was special about the wergild set in The Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum?

Answer 4

The murder of either an Englishman or a Dane was set at the same price (8 and a half marks of gold)

Question 5

What does the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum state about contact between the Saxons and the Danes?

Answer 5

It states that neither side is to be in contact with the other without express permission and the exchange of hostages to secure peace

Question 6

How does the treaty speak about Guthrum?

Answer 6

• Labels Guthrum as ‘King Guthrum’ = sign of respect
• mentions their descendants = long lasting and mutral respect

Question 7

When was the Alfred Guthrum treaty written?

Answer 7

886-890