He learned Latin himself and began to translate Latin books into English in 887. Hence, in the lull from attack between 878 and 885, he invited scholars to his court from Mercia, Wales, and the European continent. He shared the contemporary view that Viking raids were a divine punishment for the people’s sins, and he attributed these to the decline of learning, for only through learning could men acquire wisdom and live in accordance with God’s will. While avoiding unnecessary changes in custom, he limited the practice of the blood feud and imposed heavy penalties for breach of oath or pledge.Īlfred is most exceptional, however, not for his generalship or his administration but for his attitude toward learning.
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He promulgated an important code of laws, after studying the principles of lawgiving in the Book of Exodus and the codes of Aethelbert of Kent, Ine of Wessex (688–694), and Offa of Mercia (757–796), again with special attention to the protection of the weak and dependent. He scrutinized the administration of justice and took steps to ensure the protection of the weak from oppression by ignorant or corrupt judges. He was a wise administrator, organizing his finances and the service due from his thanes (noble followers). He maintained friendly relations with Mercia and Wales Welsh rulers sought his support and supplied some troops for his army in 893.Īlfred succeeded in government as well as at war. Wise diplomacy also helped Alfred’s defense. Later he had larger ships built to his own design for use against the coastal raids that continued even after 896. Alfred reorganized his army and used ships against the invaders as early as 875. Old forts were strengthened and new ones built at strategic sites, and arrangements were made for their continual manning.
The failure of the Danes to make any more advances against Alfred was largely a result of the defensive measures he undertook during the war. He had to meet a serious attack by a large Danish force from the European continent in 892, and it was not until 896 that it gave up the struggle. The possession of London also made possible the reconquest of the Danish territories in his son’s reign, and Alfred may have been preparing for this, though he could make no further advance himself. In 886 he took the offensive and captured London, a success that brought all the English not under Danish rule to accept him as king.
Alfred had a respite from fighting until 885, when he repelled an invasion of Kent by a Danish army, supported by the East Anglian Danes. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content.
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