Chapter XVI

ETHELWULF’S SONS--DANISH INVASIONS TO THE BAPTISM OF GUTHRUM.

848. Birth of Alfred the Great 272

His childhood: two visits to Rome 273

Episode of the book of ballads 273

858. Ethelbald marries his father’s widow, Judith 274

860. Death of Ethelbald: accession of Ethelbert 275

866. Ethelbert succeeded by Ethelred: Alfred
_Secundarius_ 275

Danish invasions. Martyrdom of St. Edmund, King of
East Anglia 277

871. “The year of battles” 278

Battle of Aescesdune: the Danes defeated 279

Death of Ethelred: accession of Alfred 280

The Danes harry Mercia 281

875–883. Wanderings of the body of St. Cuthbert 282

876. Danish attacks on Wessex renewed under Guthrum 283

877. Danes at Chippenham: Alfred retires to Athelney 283

878. Ubba slain: Alfred defeats the Danes at
Ethandune 284

“Peace of Wedmore.” Baptism of Guthrum 285