Save guides, add subjects and pick up where you left off with your BBC account. One of the most famous Anglo-Saxon kings was Alfred, one of the only kings in British history to be called 'Great'.

Alfred was born at Wantage in Oxfordshire in 849, fourth or fifth son of Aethelwulf, king of the West Saxons. Following the wishes of their father, the sons succeeded to the kingship in turn. At a ...