Throughout the long and storied history of the English monarchy, only a rare few monarchs have been honored with the epithet "the Great"—a title that speaks not just to power or conquest, but to lasting influence, wisdom, and a profound impact on the nation. Unlike some other monarchies (such as the Russian or the French), England has rarely bestowed this title upon its rulers. In fact, in over a thousand years of English royal history, only one English king has officially been called “the Great”—King Alfred the Great.
Let us explore who Alfred was, why he earned such a distinguished title, and why so few English kings have been granted the same honor.
Alfred the Great (reigned 871–899)
Alfred was King of Wessex, a kingdom in what is now southern England, during the late 9th century. He is the only English monarch to have officially borne the title "the Great," and for good reason. During a time of great turmoil and Viking invasions, Alfred stood as a beacon of resilience, intellect, and reform.
Military Leadership
Alfred came to the throne during one of the most dangerous periods in English history. The Viking invasions had devastated much of Anglo-Saxon England, and Wessex itself faced the threat of total conquest. Alfred showed remarkable strategic skill and endurance in battle, especially in his famous victory at the Battle of Edington in 878, where he defeated the Viking leader Guthrum. This victory not only saved Wessex but also laid the foundation for a more unified English kingdom in the future.
Legal and Educational Reforms
Beyond the battlefield, Alfred worked tirelessly to improve the administration of justice and the rule of law in his kingdom. He established a set of legal codes based on a combination of existing Anglo-Saxon laws and biblical principles, ensuring a more organized and fair society.
Recognizing the importance of education, Alfred also initiated a revival of learning and literacy. He invited scholars from across Britain and Europe to his court and even translated important Latin texts into Old English himself, including works by Boethius and Pope Gregory the Great. He believed that education was the key to wisdom and national strength.
Legacy
Alfred’s vision of a united England outlived him. Although he ruled only Wessex and parts of Mercia, his descendants—especially his grandson Æthelstan, often considered the first King of a truly united England—built upon his foundation. Today, Alfred is remembered not just as a warrior king, but as a philosopher-king, educator, and lawgiver. shutdown123