Alfred the Great

From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Alfred the Great (c. 849 - 26 October 899) was king of Wessex from 871 to 899. He was the first monarch from the British Isles to style himself as 'King of the Anglo-Saxons' and so he is sometimes considered the first English king.

Alfred earned the name 'the Great' by defending the kingdom from Viking invasions. Alfred was a scholar and encouraged education in the kingdom as well as improving the legal system.

Alfred died in 899 but it is not known how he died. He was succeeded by his son, Edward the Elder.