Alfred, the King of Wessex, is often credited with being the first true king of England due to his successful defense against the Viking invasions and his efforts to unify the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.
Historian David Starkey writes: “It is no exaggeration to say that without Alfred the Great, there would be no England as we know it today.” (Monarchy: England and Her Rulers from the Tudors to the Windsors).
Alfred’s achievements were many. He reorganized the military, strengthened the navy, and established a system of fortified towns known as burhs to protect against Viking attacks.
He also promoted education and learning, translating Latin works into English and founding schools. Under his rule, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of English history, was begun.
Furthermore, Alfred’s efforts to unite the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms laid the foundation for the eventual unification of England. Historian Frank Stenton writes: “With his policy of alliance with Mercia, he laid the foundation of the later unity of England.” (Anglo-Saxon England).
It was not until several generations later, under Athelstan, that England was officially united as a single kingdom.
While Alfred’s contributions to English history cannot be denied, some argue that it was his grandson Athelstan who should be considered the first true king of England. Athelstan was the first king to rule over a unified England, following his successful military campaigns against the Danes and Welsh.
Historian Michael Wood writes: “Athelstan was the first king to rule what we can now recognize as England. His great victory over a Viking alliance in 937… was one of the most important battles in British history.” (In Search of the Dark Ages).
Athelstan’s reign also saw significant cultural achievements. He was a patron of the arts, commissioning illuminated manuscripts and supporting the establishment of monasteries. His reign also saw the development of a standardized English language and the emergence of a distinct English identity.
In evaluating the arguments for Alfred and Athelstan, it is clear that both made significant contributions to the development of England as a unified kingdom. Alfred’s successful defense against the Viking invasions and his efforts to promote education and learning cannot be underestimated.
However, it was Athelstan who was the first king to rule over a unified England and who laid the foundation for the emergence of a distinct English identity.
As historian Ian Mortimer notes: “The two men were working towards the same end: a united England that was politically and culturally strong. Alfred had begun the process; Athelstan had brought it to fruition.” (The Time Traveller’s Guide to Medieval England).
In the end, it may be more accurate to view Alfred and Athelstan as two parts of a larger whole, rather than as separate entities vying for the title of first true king of England.
