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Alfred the Great

October 26, 2026 · 20 min

Show notes

A young prince with little expectation of becoming king, Alfred inherited Wessex during a desperate struggle against Viking invasion. Driven into the Somerset marshes, he returned to defeat Guthrum at Edington, then set about strengthening his kingdom through fortified settlements, legal reform and a remarkable commitment to learning. In this episode of Compact Biographies, we follow Alfred from his childhood and journeys to Rome to his final campaigns, separating the historical ruler from the legends and exploring how his achievements helped lay the foundations of a united England.

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