Alfred And The Cakes
By: Fred Watson

For years the Danish Vikings had plagued the various Saxon kingdoms, creating havoc by pillaging and burning. They robbed the monasteries killing the monks and stealing the church gold. But in recent times things had changed, instead of simply raiding, the Danes had come to conquer and stay.

Northumbria, Mercia and East Anglia, had all fallen to the Danish invaders, leaving Wessex as the only Saxon kingdom not yet under the thrall of the Danes. Despite being hard pressed by the invaders, The Saxon King, Ethelred with his younger brother Alfred (Aelfred) at his side, won a stunning victory over the enemy on the 8th of January 871 at Ashdown. The victory however was short lived. The Saxons were overwhelmed by the Danes on 22nd of January at Basing. The Saxons rallied, but after a hard fought battle were again beaten and Ethelred killed at the battle of Merton. Alfred became king of Wessex on the death of his brother and was forced to negotiate the payment of Danegelt - Literally a payment to get the Danes to leave his Kingdom alone.

For the next few years a peace of sorts reigned, as the Danes consolidated their gains elsewhere. But in 876 Guthrum a new leader of the Danes appeared and captured Wareham. A peace was negotiated, and hostages taken by both sides. It wasn‘t long before Guthrum broke faith with their agreement and attacked and captured Exeter. The Saxons retaliated and besieged by Alfred‘s army, Guthrum agreed to another peace. Alfred insisted that this time Guthrum and his men decamp to Mercia.

The uneasy peace held until January 878, when Guthrum attacked without warning and overran the Saxon army at Chippenham, while Alfred‘s court was still celebrating the twelve days of Christmas. Run out of space, check my website.

Copyright Fred Watson 2007

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Fred Watson published his first book, a fantasy adventure novel aimed at the 8-12 age group in November 2006. A grandfather of four, he loves to write for all age groups, has an abiding interest.www.footprintpublishing.co.uk/history.html“> Footprint Publishing

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