12/06/2026
Most commonly known for burning cakes whilst hiding in the marshes at Athelney in Somerset, and for defeating the Danish viking army at the Battle of Ethandun in 878AD, after this great victory King Alfred was responsible for a cultural, economic and religious renaissance that laid the foundations for a unified Christian England.
Alfred considered that the source of all the problems of England were not just political, civil and military, but also spiritual and moral. He believed that the heathen invasions were a punishment for Anglo-Saxon decadence and unworthiness, ignorance and materialism. Alfred therefore instituted a rebirth of religion and learning, which was to be enshrined in the revival of monasticism, arts and craftsmanship, and the rule of law.
Alfred brought master craftsmen, artisans and artists from overseas to share their knowledge and skills with his own people, and gathered priests, deacons and monks of several nationalities to established schools so that "all free men" could learn to read and write, and to relearn the traditions of religious life.
King Alfred himself translated Pope Gregory's Great Pastoral Care (Cura Pastoralis) from Latin to Old English in 893AD as a handbook for bishops. He deemed this work "most needful for all men to know" to restore learning in England.
https://www.visitsomerset.co.uk/things-to-do/activities/walking/the-king-alfred-pilgrimage
British Pilgrimage Trust Diocese of Bath & Wells
Follow in the footsteps of King Alfred in the heart of Somerset.
