OCR Specification focus:
‘Alfred’s refuge at Athelney and defeat of the Great Heathen Army, terms of peace, the capture of London (886)’
Alfred’s dramatic withdrawal to Athelney in 878, his eventual triumph over the Vikings, and the symbolic capture of London in 886 were pivotal in strengthening Wessex.
The Refuge at Athelney
In early 878, following a surprise attack by Guthrum’s Viking forces during Twelfth Night, Alfred faced one of the gravest threats to Wessex. The Vikings’ rapid advance forced him to retreat deep into the marshlands of Athelney in Somerset.
King Alfred’s Monument on Athelney Hill marks the site of Alfred’s 878 refuge amid the marshy Somerset Levels. The memorial highlights the strategic isolation of the location described in contemporary sources. As a modern monument (1801), it adds topographical context beyond the strict syllabus requirement. Source
Athelney: A marshland stronghold in Somerset used by Alfred as a defensive refuge and strategic base in 878 during the Viking invasion.
From Athelney, Alfred carried out guerrilla-style raids against Viking positions, disrupting their supply lines and maintaining morale among his followers. The retreat also allowed him time to gather intelligence and build a new coalition of West Saxon levies.
Strategic Importance of Athelney
Natural defences: Marshland made direct assault difficult.
Central position: Close enough to key territories for raids and mobilisation.
Psychological value: Demonstrated Alfred’s survival and determination, boosting loyalty among thegns and common folk.
Victory Over the Great Heathen Army
By May 878, Alfred had assembled a substantial force from the fyrds of Somerset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. The decisive engagement came at the Battle of Edington. Alfred’s tactics relied on forming a strong shield wall, maintaining cohesion, and capitalising on terrain advantages.
The Viking defeat at Edington forced Guthrum into negotiations. The outcome was the Treaty of Wedmore, a peace settlement that had both political and religious elements.
Terms of Peace
Guthrum’s baptism: Symbolically acknowledging Christian authority; Alfred acted as godfather.
Territorial division: The Vikings withdrew to East Anglia, establishing boundaries between the Danelaw and Alfred’s kingdom.
Hostage exchange: Ensured compliance with the agreement.
Treaty of Wedmore: A peace settlement in 878 between Alfred and Guthrum, involving Guthrum’s baptism and a territorial division between Wessex and the Danelaw.
This victory marked a turning point: Wessex was preserved, and Alfred emerged as a figure of unifying leadership in England.
The Capture of London, 886
In 886, Alfred capitalised on a period of relative peace to secure London, a city of immense strategic and economic importance. At the time, London was under threat from Viking incursions and lacked firm control.
Strategic Value of London
Defensive position: Control of the River Thames limited Viking naval movements.
Economic hub: Trade and taxation potential bolstered Wessex’s wealth.
Symbolic centre: Enhanced Alfred’s image as a ruler of both Saxon and Mercian lands.
Alfred undertook repairs to London’s Roman walls and improved its fortifications, turning it into a secure burh (fortified town).
Vector plan of Roman London (c. late Antiquity) with the city wall and gates highlighted—the lines Alfred drew upon when restoring London’s defences in 886. The wall’s circuit, gates, and riverside front are clearly shown. The map also labels roads and public buildings, which are additional details beyond the syllabus scope. Source
He entrusted its governance to Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians, strengthening alliances with Mercia.
Political Significance
Consolidated the Anglo-Saxon defence network against further Viking attacks.
Demonstrated Alfred’s commitment to urban revival and infrastructure.
Enhanced unity between Wessex and Mercia through shared administration.
Military and Political Implications
The events of 878–886 showcased Alfred’s ability to combine military resilience with political strategy. His leadership was marked by:
Flexibility: Shifting between guerrilla warfare and pitched battle.
Diplomacy: Integrating religious symbolism into peace terms to reinforce legitimacy.
Infrastructure: Fortifying captured centres to ensure lasting control.
These actions not only safeguarded Wessex but also laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of England under a single monarch. The refuge at Athelney demonstrated resilience in adversity; the victory at Edington showed tactical and strategic mastery; the capture of London displayed vision for a secure and prosperous realm.
FAQ
Alfred had to contend with low morale, scattered forces, and uncertainty about loyalty among local thegns.
The marshland refuge made it difficult to communicate and coordinate with fyrds across Wessex. Many men had returned to their farms for spring work, reducing available manpower. Alfred’s leadership, reputation, and use of messengers to call fyrds to Egbert’s Stone were crucial in overcoming these challenges.
Baptism created a personal bond between Alfred and Guthrum through godparenthood, a recognised diplomatic tie in early medieval Europe.
It also:
Publicly legitimised the peace settlement to Christian audiences.
Allowed Alfred to present the treaty as a moral as well as political victory, strengthening his standing with church leaders and subjects.
Securing London gave Alfred control over the Thames, a major artery for commerce linking inland markets with the North Sea.
It improved safety for merchants, encouraging more regular trade with continental Europe. The city’s role as a distribution hub for goods such as cloth, salt, and wine expanded, boosting Wessex’s economic resilience.
Archaeological studies show the city’s Roman wall circuit was maintained rather than replaced in the late 9th century.
Repair marks, mortar dating, and reinforcement work indicate the wall’s original Roman foundations and gates were preserved. Documentary sources also suggest Alfred prioritised refurbishing existing structures for speed and efficiency.
Alfred appointed Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians, to govern London, blending West Saxon and Mercian authority.
This:
Secured Mercian loyalty against Viking threats.
Allowed coordinated defence and administration in a city straddling Wessex–Mercian interests.
Helped integrate the two kingdoms politically, paving the way for later unification.
Practice Questions
Question 1 (2 marks)
In which year did Alfred capture London after his victory over the Great Heathen Army?
Question 1 (2 marks)
1 mark for correct year: 886 (1 mark)
No credit for approximate dates or decades unless explicitly correct (e.g., "late 9th century" is insufficient).
Question 2 (5 marks)
Explain two reasons why Alfred’s capture of London in 886 was significant for the defence and governance of his kingdom.
Question 2 (5 marks)
Award up to 3 marks per explanation; maximum 5 marks in total.
Identification of reason: 1 mark
Explanation showing significance: 1–2 marks depending on depth and clarity
Indicative content:
Reason 1: Strengthened defence
1 mark: Identifies control of the River Thames and fortified burh.
1–2 additional marks: Explains that this prevented Viking naval incursions and acted as a key point in the defensive network against further attacks.
Reason 2: Political and economic unity
1 mark: Identifies London as a trade hub and symbolic centre.
1–2 additional marks: Explains that this increased wealth through taxation and trade, and reinforced Alfred’s authority over both Wessex and Mercia through shared governance with Æthelred, Lord of the Mercians.
