Wednesday 28th May 2025
7.30pm
Freshford Village Memorial Hall
Alfred is the only monarch in England now known as ‘the Great.’ A fighting king, who saved his kingdom from Viking attacks, while rejuvenating its defences and setting in train a programme of educational reform, his achievements were considerable. But how far is his image the carefully crafted product of West Saxon propaganda? Ethelred II (famous as ‘the unready’) named his sons after famous English royals, but it was only when it came to his eighth son that he thought to call him Alfred! This talk explores both the pros and cons of Alfred’s alleged greatness.”
Martyn Whittock is a historical author and communicator of history, having taught the subject for over thirty years. He has acted as a consultant to English Heritage and the National Trust. His specialist period of study is Anglo-Saxon England and the early medieval period in Britain generally.
Members free – Visitors £3.00 – All welcome