King Alfred The Great Burning The Cakes Coloring Pages

Alfred lived from 849 to 899 AD, ruling the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex from 871 until his death. He was the only English king ever called 'the Great,' earning this title for defending England against Viking invasions and promoting education and literacy throughout his realm.

The cake-burning story is likely a legend rather than historical fact, first written down about 100 years after Alfred's death. However, Alfred did hide in the Somerset marshes in 878 AD after a surprise Viking attack, so the setting of the story is historically accurate.

The 'cakes' in the story were actually oatcakes or barley cakes, which were flat, round breads common in Anglo-Saxon times. These simple cakes were baked on a griddle over an open fire and were a staple food for ordinary people in medieval England.

In January 878 AD, the Viking leader Guthrum launched a surprise winter attack on Alfred's stronghold at Chippenham. Alfred barely escaped with a small group of followers and had to hide in the marshes of Somerset while planning his counterattack against the Danish invaders.

Alfred emerged from hiding in spring 878 and rallied his forces at Egbert's Stone. He decisively defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Edington, forcing Guthrum to convert to Christianity and agree to the Treaty of Alfred and Guthrum, which divided England between Anglo-Saxon and Danish control.

Alfred established a navy to fight Viking longships, built a network of fortified towns called burhs, translated Latin books into Old English, and created the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. He also established schools and promoted literacy, earning him recognition as one of England's greatest medieval kings.