Alfred the Great was King of Wessex from 871 to 899. He successfully defended Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of southern England against the Vikings, earning him the epithet "the Great". As king, he established a system of fortified centers called burhs across Wessex for defense. Culturally, he revived learning by establishing a school at his court and translating important works into Old English to improve education among clergy.

2. Alfred the Great (849 AD - 899 AD) King of Wessex from 871 to 899 No other ruler in England's long and varied history has been honoured with the title the Great. Alfred once declared it his intention "To live worthily as long as I live and after my life to leave to them that should come after, my memory in good works." Few monarchs have succeeded as spectacularly in their aims as he did.

9. Pastoral Care , by Pope Gregory the Great was a treatise on the responsibilities of the clergy A page of Alfred´s preface to this translation

13. Other characteristics Alfred believed that God had entrusted him with the well fare of his subjects, Secular and spiritual authority were not distinct categories for Alfred. Alfred is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church