1-649-518 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

Alfred the Great, King of Wessex, 9th century (18th century). After coming to the throne in 871, much of Alfred's (849-899) reign was taken up with the struggle against the Danish invaders. After Alfred defeated them at Edington, Wiltshire, in 878, England was divided in half, with the south-western part in the hands of the Saxons, and the north-eastern portion, the Danelaw, administered by the Danes. War broke out again in the 890s, but by 897 the Danes had been defeated.