Alfred
Alfred — biographical name
1. an Anglo-Saxon king who ruled the southern English kingdom of Wessex from 871 un
an Anglo-Saxon king who ruled the southern English kingdom of Wessex from 871 until his death in 899; he is remembered for stopping the Viking advance, building schools, and writing laws, and is the only English king commonly given the title 'the Great'.
Alfred came to the throne of Wessex at the age of about twenty-one, during a long Viking war.
naming pattern: Alfred + reign verb
After hiding in the marshes of Somerset, Alfred raised a new army and defeated the Vikings at Edington in 878.
Alfred ordered important Latin books to be translated into English so that more people could read them.
Among English monarchs, only Alfred carries the title 'the Great' in modern history textbooks.
A tall stone statue of Alfred stands in the market square of Winchester, his old capital city.
- Alfred the Great
the standard English title used in history books and museum labels
- King Alfred
shorter form, common in school textbooks and tourist guides
用法筆記
When referring to the king in formal writing, use the full title 'Alfred the Great' or 'King Alfred' on first mention; later mentions can use 'Alfred' alone if no other Alfred has been introduced. Distinguish from later British figures and from common given-name uses.