As king of wessex at the age of 21, alfred (reigned 871-99) was a strongminded but highly strung battle veteran at the head of remaining resistance to the vikings in southern england. Anglo-saxon king 871â€899 who defended england against danish invasion and founded the first english navy. He became king of wessex after his brother aethelred died in 871, and a new legal code came …

During his reign, he laid the foundations for the eventual political unification of england. Discover the great legacy of alfred the great and how he transformed england. Learn about his military victories, reforms, and lasting impact on medieval english history. Alfred the great © king of the southern anglo-saxon kingdom of wessex and one of the outstanding figures of english history, as much for his social and educational reforms as for his military Born in 849 ad in wantage, england, alfred was the youngest of six children. He lived in the kingdom of wessex, which was based in the southwest of modern-day england. His father was aethelwulf, who …

Born in 849 ad in wantage, england, alfred was the youngest of six children. He lived in the kingdom of wessex, which was based in the southwest of modern-day england. His father was aethelwulf, who …