Alfred the Great, My Story

Alfred is best remembered for burning the cakes, though that very possibly never happened. What did happen in the 9th century was the marauding, murdering Vikings, whose raids and invasions changed forever not only the British Isles but most of coastal Europe and beyond. With four older brothers Alfred never expected to be king, nor did he particularly want to be, despite the pope's earlier blessing, yet in the year 871 he accepted the reins. "Defeat By the Vikings" tells of the events leading to seven years later when he was seriously wishing he hadn't, with all the kingdoms in the Isles under heathen rule and his kingdom of Wessex totally decimated. Part Two to follow. Look out for a never-seen-before description of a battle!