Two of Alfred's elder brothers who had been king before Alfred were interred at Sherborne. There has been speculation that Alfred got married here. PlaBces explored (click links to find out more)Īccording to Asser, King Alfred's 'biographer', this is where the King was born. The book, King Alfred: A Man on the Move, is available from Amazo nĪ more detailed list of the main places mentioned in the book appears below. I also spent some time trying to understand King Alfred's relationship with London and his expanding influence beyond Wessex.' I also look at Alfred's refuge at Athelney, on the Somerset Levels, and speculate as to where he might have been before he arrived there. This led me to try to find enigmatic locations such as Egbert's Stone and Iglea (both covered in the book), not to mention the important battle sites of Ashdown and Ethandun. My research is based on a combination of written documents and my own journeys to explore the locations associated with King Alfred. Finally, I cover his burial locations in Winchester and I examine what there is to know about the current location of his remains. I trace him up the River Lea into Hertfordshire where he stopped the Vikings escaping by obstructing the river. I cover the 'truce' with Guthrum, the Viking leader, and also the later engagements in Kent when the Vikings landed on the north and south coasts of that county. I continue to trace him across his military engagements with the Vikings, including at the famous battles at Ashdown and Ethandun (Edington), but also at less famous engagements such as at Reading, Exeter, Wilton, Basing and Wareham. From the author: 'I start at Alfred's reputed place of birth, which was Wantage, Oxfordshire. He is now a keen amateur historian and lives in Dorset with his partner Danielle and a big black cat called Sidney.

Paul Kelly is a retired dentist and has a PhD from the University of Birmingham. This book aims to make it easier for people to know where these places are and to create a greater appreciation of them. This book is based on the author's personal journey across the locations that are associated with King Alfred, combining his on-the-ground experiences with information gained through research. Dr Kelly invites the reader to travel with him on a journey from the birth of King Alfred, passing through his life and battles, and arriving at the mysteries surrounding his death and final resting place.

Asser king alfred