1. Alfred the Great

The Kings and Queens podcast

Alfred the Great (871-99) was the embodiment of the ideal, but practical, Christian ruler. He was the ‘truth teller’, described as a brave, resourceful, pious man.

Despite his legacy being warped by Victorian and contemporary accounts, his achievements remain visible and profound. They allowed his son and grandsons to build on his political and military initiatives to unite England under the rule of one king.

Characters

Alfred - King of Wessex (871-86), King of the Anglo-Saxons (886-99)

Ealhswith - wife of Alfred

Aethelred - King of Wessex (865-71), brother of Alfred

Aethelbert - King of Wessex (860-65), brother of Alfred

Aethelbald - King of Wessex (858-60), brother of Alfred

Aethelwulf - King of Wessex (839-58), father of Alfred

Ecgberht - King of Wessex (802-39), grandfather of Alfred

Edward - son and heir of AlfredAethelswith - Alfred’s sister, wife of Burghred

Aelle - King of NorthumbriaEdmund - King of East-Anglia

Burghred - King of MerciaCeolwulf - King of Mercia

Lord Aethelred - Lord of the Mercians under Alfred

Aefelflaed - Lady of the Mercians, wife of Lord Aethelred

Viking leaders

Guthrum

Ivar the Boneless

Ragnar Lothbrook

Haesten

Ubbe

Credits

Leaving for Valhalla - Alexander Nakarada

320530__suso_ramallo__binaural-catholic-gregorian-chant-mass-liturgy

704440__roemergruft__viking-horn-in-d

Bbc_quiet-hall_00008086

Vikings-in-battle-swords-crossing-shields-bashing-men-yelling-17335

613317__solifer__fireplacebbc_marsh-atmo_nhu0505006

Bbc_boats--pun_07026051

bbc_water---ro_07038289